The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1877-01-07

8ooo WhlIe ago, he did Q long job of work for
know all about it; and dare say there's not
aRotber living soul besides himself knows 50
mCch about his affairs as do"
Cecilia could neither speak nor stis for utter
establishment.
And 1 don't say it ont of pride, miss" pro-
oeedsd the widow, shut may call you cousin,
TOO; for yoar unclc's late wife was my hus
world One mp and another down; families
scattered hither and thither to get their
bread, till in tho end folks no longer know
their own relations"
"And SO dear little Mieken. too, is q coasin
Of mine ~ inquired Cecilia, with real pleasure,
kindly stroking the child's head the while.
Well, she is; though far enough off, very
far, indeed" replied the widow. Still, if
everything went fairly in the world, should
save my share in the Inheritance; but that
hypocritical cheat, Thys, will take good care
sa,nS:" -,
Ceci,ia- HIS way of lie is a strange one, bat
he has n good heart for all that"
II know that, miss; but do you know
Tbysr'
To this question Cecilia could only reply
by a look ae once of wonder and interrogs-
ton.
"Iknow him proceeded Kate. He long
lived in the village where was born. Tnys
ID man that in his youpg days ruined bis pa
broke his fathers heart. After ward, when he
came to want, as he'd had a pretty good edu-
cation, he got ms living ss ki nd OF agent In
all sorts of odd ,bs, ard black jobs too, for
the matter of that; and so, to set some crooked
matter or another straight, he got his foot in
at the Abbey farm. He soon cav that there
was fine field for him and his tricks there.
Spendthnft and CLIFTON as he is, be slammed
the Kiser and careful hoasekseper. Do You
know why, missf To rob me me and Sd
many other poor folks of our side of the
fsmily-to rob us, say, of our ehare of the
Inheritance. And perhaps evep-but no, it
can't como to that either; your uncle Is too
fond of you"
Cecilia stood with her head bowed down
and her eyes fixed on the ground. she had
forgotten herself and 81! about her in her
touistmeLt at the singular revelations Of the
widow DO now went
bat fear nothing, miss; We sometimes
have our wits more about Us for Others than for
ourselves 1nys may yet ind that poor K ate
may perhaps trip him up one Of these days,
clever as he ia Besides, miss, you're the only
ooe of your side of the family. aud the direct
hsIT, asyour fathe- IVES own brother 10 your
uncle Jan. Well, we'll talk over this matter
again; for the present I inst wished to put
you on your guard against the hypOcrte but
you've been standing too long here in the cold;
all out of kindness 10 q poor widow. Now I'll
go home to my little ones to gladden. their
hearts with the good news, and to pray for
you, miss"
Cecilia reused herself from her reverie, and
seized her new friend by the hand.
Dear Cousin Kate" she said, "will you do
something for met Bat mind, you must not
forget to do it really"
That will, and gladly, missw
"Well, then, say the prayers not for me, but
for my uncle. You'll be sure and not forget
it ~
~ will surely do it."
"Good-b till tomorrow, then"
And with an outpouring of the most fervent
thanks the widow took her way toward her
poor home, ever and anon casting a look back
q pom Cecilia, who on her side also was now
Fastening bomeward. With emotion the
hiekeu, 1aet night you dreamed of an an
gel, did You not Well, that is the angel
and that william Thys, at the Abbey farm, be
haste, child"
CHAPTER ILL.,
Arrived at her home, Cecilia opened the
door and entered. In the gronnd floor room |
she fonud 20 one The cold solitude of the |
place made deep impres,i npou her feel. |
log-, not outstanding her bslrG we'll &C !
cus'omed to il. Slowly her eve wandered /
rOn3d the chamber, and fell halt-unc 1uscions.
ly npou the gray cobwebs that tapestrred the
wallis. deep expression of sorrow and com
passion hung UPON her countenance, and for
a W hi lie SHE stood, lost in thought. in the mid
die of the roou. Assurediy her mind as oc-
cupied in Q comparison between the heavenly
tone of cheerfulness eminent, and love,
which reigned in the modest cottage she had
just left, and the chill solitude Of the apart
pent in which she low found herself. Soon,
however, she took a seat by the fireplace in the
chimney corner, and contemplated the ashes
capped from her lips in her reveIie sho wed thai
it was the recent disclosures made by Widow
Kate that were busying her mind.
Hardly had she been seated there for fe
moments, when a mans head snowed it-eif
behind her, projecting through the half-open
door of a small eide chamber. AS coon as ibis
newcomer espied the maiden, a singular rx-
preston shot over his eounteuance; his gray
eyes glIstened with satisfaction under the
bushy eyebrows, telling plainly enough of evil
cunning, while the great mouth, drawn back
"A nil grin HAIR ny-EH
omhination Of krsedIness aud Triumph.
Instantly the man disappeared, bus immedi-
ately afterward returned, aud passed into the
large room, with three IumPs Of peat 10 bic
hand and = bundle of brush wood under his
arm. he came forward with a. pleasant q
smile upon bis countensnce and as much OF
simple good heartedness in it as his repulsive
festores admitted ofbis assuming.
"Good-day, Cecilia" he began, in a kind
tone Of voice. 1T 10 cold, is 1t mott Come,
take your feet oct of the ashes, and III make
up warm little q re for us"
The maiden looked at Thys-fOr be IL uas
all in Amszs. Never before had che beard
these tDueA his slS