Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-05-20
TIE PAST AND THE PRESENT.


It was a neat little two-story cottage, which
stood to itself and was surrounded by pref
ty garden wherein flowers grew in profusion.
Along the open frame work of the front porch
there was trained mass of ivy and other
clinging winery which lent a very pleasing
effect 10 the exterior of the Rectory. Flori
culture was scarcely a forte of the sole inmate /,
the care Of his garden, must therefore have
certainly developed upon friendly neighbors:
and so. iu truth, it had. After erecting the
Chapel and its parsonage, the good people Of
Hyacinth had abOred to give TO the exterior
of the latter a cheerful appearance. Fairy
hands had set to work planting flowers 10 the
enclosed grounds, and otherwise adorniDg,
Aorally, the premises. Then, the villagers Lad
sent to the Bishop, asking that minister be
assigned to Grace Chapel-promising that be
should want for nothing ia the way OF CON-
forse Aud well their word was redeemai
The Rev. Joseph Raymond had been in
stalled for some months as the rector OF the
village church lie was comparatively young
scarcely thirty years Of agc-yet bis minis
tratious were marked by reverence aud de-
yotion truly exemplary. He rarely visited his
parishoners. maintaining towards them, a
kind and courteous, but digni6ed manner
This seclusiou, while it excited the curiosity
Of the feminine portion of Hyacinth, could
not but command the respect Of the entire
village.
Tie rector was seated in his library one
morning, reading from goody sized volume.
The table before him presented a confusve
mass of papers, to which at times he referred.
Perhaps, as II was Saturday, the reverend
gentleman was preparing bis sermon. Some
one knocked at the door, aud, 10 his summons,
the servant entered: There is a lady, Sir,
wishes to see YOU" Without looking up from
bis work, the rector inquired briefy-"Eler
name ?" She gave none, Sir" will be
there directly" he replied, and continued bis
labors. The servant withdrew.
Mr.. RAYMOND went down stairs into his lit
tie parlor overlooking the garden, and saw
there lady dressed in dark colors and closely
yeiled. Madame" as he entered and bow
ing slightly, "you cared to see me?' " Yes,
sir" she answered, "if YOU please. Iam un-
willing to intrude-a perfect stranger" Was
there anything singular in the voice, as these
last three words were uttered that caused the
rector to start slightly p Pardon" be said,
interrupting her, and conducting, gently, his
unknown visitor to a seat-"my time is always
at the disposal Of the congregation and It's
friends. an here only to minister 10 them"
"Thauk YOU" she replied, quietly, and, after
a pause. continued, 81 scarcely know how 10
commence my story but-but--:" thus
earlyin isefforts 10 utter some secret sorrow, the
voice broke down great sobs burst from the
heart aud my lldy-was crying violently.--
The rector tried TO sootbe her as best lie could
and. after a tine, asked if she felt i'll. No,
no." she replied carelessl sly-her veil still
drawn-"I am only weary" aad then with
sudden earnestness-"0, you priest Of God,
can you not help me? / feel so hcart-sick.
so weary !" aud she leaned slightly forward
in her seat and cast Der head down. "My
poor child" said Mr.. Raymond. after light
silence, "whatever DC your trouble do not
ask It's nature-you must try and bear, pa
tieHtly fcheerfully if you canl the burdens
which God sees fit to place upon you. But
listen to me, while | tell you brief life his
tory. wherein trials were sowed thickly, and
yet they reaped peaceful barVest-aR through
resignation"
My lady bent her head still lower, yet seem
Ell to attend, deeply, the proposed recital
Tbe rector, conscious only Of doing bis duty
in fostering latent humane fortitude through
the Influence Of Fan over true tale"-burned
into his memory-thus began: MANY years
ago there lived 10 large city young man Of
good birth, education and manners. Previous
10 this time be had been, what is commonly
known az "a good boy bis family were
Catholics aud reared under the influence Of
that faith his boybOOd could not have been
different. At the commencement Of my
story. however, associations, 10 which men
too soon become ensnared lad changed tbs
good boy into rather wild young gentle
man. ABOUT this time be met young lady
to whom, ere many months, he became en-
gagged. She was a Protestant--I say not Of
Which deaornination-and pattern Of swee;
and simple girlhood. Between them, after
time, came anotber-passiDg fair-and whose
attractions alenated, for period, the lovers
attachment Betrothed, anew, 70 his lady,
she eyacted, or tried to exact, from lin GER
tain conditions with regard to his conduct to-
wards the stranger. This, he refused and
second parting was the result.
Freed from restraint, be went over entire
~ to his new acquaintance, and, for two
months, basked in the sunlight Of her smiles.
One evening he happened into the
little temple where liz fcrnss fdafes wgr-