The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-09-24

The Stranger Recovering.
1t had been q beautiful spring day; the air
was balmy and refreshing, the sun was still
| above the horizon, but the western sky was
glowing with rich crimson and purple hues.
The blind man was seated with his daughter
upon a wooden bench in front Of their house.
| the white locks of the old man, and illumined
with rose tint B slla's beautiful face.
"Yes, father" said the young girl, she
seems to think that we expect a recompepse.
The little silver box he wears around his neck
contains the miniature of his mother. 1t 10
enorcled by jewels. He asked Joseph to go
to Furnes and sell some of the diamonds. that
he might remunerate us for our care. He has
said nothing about it since that time, because
made him believe that there was no one at
Furnes who would purchase such articles but
he always manifests his intention TO pay us,
He spoke of 1t twice this evening""
4" 1t seems to distress you, my child"
He is rich, father; he wishes to give us
money"
"We will refuse it, Bella"
at is strange, father. 1 was happy be-
cause God had permitted me to be the instru.
ever since he has spoken of pecuniary recon-
pense, feel sad. What pleasure is there in
work of charity if we are to receive q reward p
"And yet, Bella, we have no reason to be
offended. 1t is but natural that rich man
shonld think of making gift of money as
means of testifying his gratitude. Bat do not
allow yourself to be disturbed by it; when an
opportunity offers, will speak to him on the
uhject. He Seeds sensible and good"
'.Oh, yes, father; he has so much intell-
gence, and his language is SO beautiful, that
from a book he is, besides, SO polite, SO
courteous and amiabie, aud, although he con.
Geals it from US, his heart is fall OF SORROW"
81 believe it. Bella. How terrible the I'm.
certainty as the fate of his father"
mo, it is not that; he is convinced that his
father s dead. The third day that he was
here, as | was about to leave him when Aunt
Clara came, he begged me not to forget to pray
for the repose of the soul of his father. HIS
present agony of mind arises from his anxiety
as to the fate of his mother and sister. Dr..
Darugs promised to procure Information, but
he always comes without any news of the
family. NJ. de Milval has been already six days
in total ignorance of their fate. Imagine what
he must suffer-
The doctor wishes to go himself to Bergnes
and see M. de MilvaPs mother" replied the
blind man. sit is perilous journey, and it
should not be undertaken without sui table pre-
cautions"
DO you know what fear, father 1t is that
Dr. Darngs knows moro than he chooses to
tell, and that he delays impartiug he bad nev &
to de Milval until he has strength to bear it"
That is possible. my child"
but then, why Goes he not prepare him by
degreesH The effect might otherwise be fright
full. Dr. Darings said that he might sit up
tomorrow, and even go into my ROOM"
A fisherman, carrying o basket on his
shoulders, appeared approaching the house,
and while yet at a distance, bade good evening
to Father Stock; but Bella made him sign to
be silent.
How is the young gentleman y asked the
Gas we'll could hope, Joseph" replied
the young girl. "Speak low; he is asleep"
Joseph put down his basket, took up fish
which he had laid upon the net, and threw it
upon the sand.
"You see that even when at sea do not for
get your guest. There is delicious turbot l
have brought for him. 1t is delicate fish
which he will relish"
"You have returned early. I thought that
you you would be out all night" said the blind
man.
THE English vessels have weighed anchor
and disappeared" replied Joseph I'VE may be
obliged to remain long time on land. That
would be of no consequence if knew what to
do with myself and had some occupation Ger
tainly, Father Stock, it is nowhere as pleasant
as at sea. When on shore, am tormented by
thoughts which distract me; am like one out
of his mi nd, or bewitched."
1.-THE English vessels will not cease cruising
around Newport. You will see them again to.
morrow, Joseph"
God grand it /" said the fisherman. "And
now, Father Stock and Bella, must bid you
good evening. Who comesf 1t is the doctor.
! will see you again tomorrow, when shall
have time to talk with You awhile"
Saying this, Joseph took up his basket and
pursued his way across the downs.
What charming. spring dayW said the
tienti"
"He has been sleeping for two hours"
Sleeping !" m1rmured DR.. Darings, alb
stractedly. Would that he could sleep for |
ever HIS mistortunes are terribe.'
lyon have news, then 7" asked Bella, with |
deep emotion.
"Frightful news, my child"
"And will you tell him He is still 80 i'll !"
s. came with the attention of seeing if / |
could prepare him to hear the worst. thought |
l might rouse suspicion to portion of the |
terrible truth in this manner he might feel it |
less keenly when he learns the full extent of
his misery but if you consider him too weak,
we will defer the painful revelation"
Oh, beg of you to do 30; he has had fever
this afternoon" said Bella.
The doctor resumed in whispers:
Ellis father was shot that same night against
the walls of the very house from which his son
had enabled him to make his escape"
Bella with difficulty suppressed piercing
cry.
would that had no other evil news to
communicated
His mother, his sister," said Bella pale
with terror.
DIR. Darings walked to the door and closed it
carefully; then returning to Bella and her
father, and seating himself beside the old man,
he said:
"Have fortitude, and do not give way to ex-
cited feeling, and will impart to you the ter