The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-01-23
NUMBER ST.
THE BETROTHED:
IContinued !
CHAPTER VII.
BY MANEoNI.

CHAPTER VII.
"Peace be with you!" said the friar a. he
entered. "There Is nothing more to hope from
adeuoe in God and I've slresdy had pledge
OF his protection" None Of the three enter
tanned much hope from the visit Of Father
Christopher: for it would have been not only
an unusual, but an absolutely unheArd.of fast,
for o noblenen to desist from his criminal de-
signs ut the mere prayer of his defenoelsss
victim. Still, the sad certainty was q palpful
stroke.
The women bent down their heads; but In
the mind OF Renzo anger prevailed over disap-
pointment. I" / wonfd know" cried he, gnash-
ing his teeth. and raising his voice rs he had
Christopher, ~ would know what reasons thia
dog has given, that my wife shoold not b my
Poor Renzo!r said the father. with an
enforced modera lion; "poor Rsnzoi II those
who commit injustice were always obliged TO
give reason for it, things would not be 40 they
arew
HE has said, then, the dog, that no will
not. because he will not!'
He has NOT even said 60, poor RenEol Thera
an open confession Of his iniquity."
"But he has said something; sokat has this
firebrand of hell said 7"
"I could not repeat his words. He dew into
3 passion At ne for my suspcons, and at the
same time confirmed nae In them: he insulted
the, and then called himself offended threat
ened, and complained. AK no farther. He did
not utter the name OF Lucy, nor even pretend
to know you: he affected to intend nothing.
In short, heard enough to feel that he 10 in
exorable. Bat confidence in Gedl Poor child
renl be patient, be snbDissivei And thoq,
Renzo! believe that aympsthize with ell that
passes in thy heart. But patience! II Is poor
word. q bitter word to those who want faith:
but Renzo, will you not let God work Will
you not trust HINT Let Him work, Repzo
and, for your consolation, know that hold In
my hand clue, by which hope to extrioate
you from your distress. cannot say more
now. Tomorrow shall not be hers; I shRll
he all day at the convent employed for you.
ReDzo, IL thou canst, come there to me but, III
prevented by any accident, send some truSty
messenger, by whom can make known you
the success of my endeavors Night ap-
proaches; must return to the convent. Fare
well! Faith and courage" so saying, he
departed, and haSteued by the most abrupt bat
shortest road, to reach the convent ia time and
escape the usual reptImspd ar, what wac
worse, the imposition OF some Penance, which
might dsenable him. for the following day,
for continuing his efforts iu favor of his pro-
IBID yon bear him speak Of clue which he
holds to aid usf said Lucy it 10 best Co
trust in him; he is Il man who does not make
rash promises."
HE ought to have spoken more clearly"
said Agnes; " or at least have taken me aside,
and told me what it was"
I'll put an end 10 the business; III put an
end 20 it," said RenEo, pacing fariousiy up aud
down the room.
"Oh! Renzo!" exclaimed Lacy.
"WhRt do y0d mean ~ said Agnes.
what do l meant mean to say that he
may have hundred Thousand devils in hiS
soRl. but be is fssb and blood notwitbStnnd-
ing"
but tears choked her voice.
" 1t is not theme for jesting," said Agnes.
I" For jestiuRp cried Reuzo. stopping before
her, with his countenance indAmed by anger;
" for testing! you will SEQ If am in jest"
"oh! ReDzo!' said Lucy, sobbing, 81 have
never seen you thus before"
"Hush, hush ~ said Agnes, "Rpeak not in
this manner. Do you not fear the law, which
is siways to DO had against the poorf And.
besides, how macy arms would be raised at
wordp
~ fear nothing" said RenEo; 1.-THE villain
is well protected, dog that he r.! bot no mat
ter. Patience and resolution! and the time
will come. Yes! justice shall be donef I will
free the country! People will bless me! Yes
yea"
The horror which Lucy felt at this explicit
declaration OF his p1rpOse inspired her with
new resolution. With tearful countenanee,
but determined voice, she said to Renzo, 1t
can DO longes be Of any consequences TO you,
that should become yours; promised myself
to q youth who had the fear of God in HE
heart; bot man who had Once--were you
safe from the Law, were You aecure from
vengeance, were you the son OF q king"
"Wellw CRIED Reno, in a voice Of uncon-
troiiabie passion, a. well shall not have yoa,
then; bus neither shall he; Of that you may
n
"For PHYS sake. do not talk Thus; do pos
talk 90 fercely!' said Lucy impioringly.
- You TO imploro me said be, somewhat
nppeased. You! who will do nothing for
ne What proof do jon give me OF your afec.
tion Have / not suPplicated in vain Have
been able TO obtain
" Yes, yes," replied Lucy, hastily, al win 90
70 the cirats's tomorrow; nov, IL yea wish fss
oa!y be yourself again win go.'