The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1877-11-18

Elise. Tho very sound of his voice was die
pleasing to Blanche. because 1t was totally
different from what she had expected from q
person whom Imagination had represented In
such unfavorable colors. This voice was
sipgularly soft and sg7eeable.
81 have travelled III go many various oil
mates" said he, "and have been 80 bronzed by
tropical Suns, that feel both surprised and
but know that We never forget the express
sion of friends countenanoe. When you
smiled, it would have been impossible for me
to have mistaken you anywhere"
"And Mile. de Beicastei, would you have re-
Fl scarcely know. Mlle de Bslcastel, how
ever is less changed than had supposed at
| the first moment had the pleasure of seeing
| her"
Blanche pressed Else's arm for Adhsmar
| sighed gently as he said this.
Eiise was not astonished at the siRh; ioF' on
looking at Blanche, she could hardly believe 1t
possl BILE that her dear friend was capable OF as
sumiug such an air of haughtiness.
To change the subject Adhemar noticed the
nnmerons improyeme that had been made
at the castle durirg his absence Blanche
deigned to mingle in the conversation, but in
no notice. whatever, except to answer po-
litely and kindly. When they retired to
dress for dinner. Blanche, in q very bad hu-
NOR, accompanied Elise to her room.
-'-Wstt, my dear -Etisei h-safd- she yea see
already that our opinions differ on some SUBJ
jects."
"Yes, Blanche but let me beg of you to
drop that hanghty expression and contsmPtn-
ous tone. Indeed, you will provoke hostili-
ties"
AZ cannot help it, Elise; and must confess
that i was surprised at seeing 5ou enter SO
cordially into conversation with a person
whom You even ackno wiedged to me you could
no longer esteem"
"Indeed, for the moment / lost sight of all
that. There ia something very sincere and
agreeable in his tone and manners"
~ have not yet discovered it; for l cannot
Sd soon forget his shameful conduct towards
his father, his sister, and his friend. But
desire to forget, and to experience little of
this kind feeling you have for him."
When Blanche RS entered the drawing, room,
before dinner. she found the company already
assembled. She approached group occupied
with q collection of engravings, and mechani'
cally accepted p chair which WAS offered her.
Here, expressing at random an opinion con-
wore an air of disdaiu so highly displeasing
to Adhemar that his oouutenance openly ex.
pressed his disapprobation. Not wishing to
appear conscious of it, she entered into
very animated conversation with NJ. de st.
Clair, who had never remitted his attentions.
Adhemar was at the other extremity of the
room, oonversiug with tho Count; when ap.
peaied to by st. Clair, he slowly approached to
examine the engrsvings His opinions evinced
remarkably good taste and Judgment Blanche
who was not herself that day, or rather, was
possessed by spirit of contradiction, censuring
what was PrAisswortby, and praisipg what
was faulty-thus found herself in opposition
to her cousin, whose opinion accorded with
that of all the others, except ST. Clair, who
taking pleasure in worrying Adhemar, always
had seme specious pretext for agreeing with
Blanche, whom the majority never failed to
latter. Habituated to these homages, which
sbe received with an air of Indifference, she
| strongly reminded one of q dsagreeable,
spoiled child. Her locke often encountered her
| Cousins, and each time they read on his coun-
tenance increasing disapprobation. 1t wound,
! ed her deeply, particularly as she had been ao.
customed to nothing but fattery, and might
have been led to believe herself perfection, ex
oept for Elise's plain truths and the occasional
whispers of q slumbering conscience.
The Count was not sorry that the Chevaliel
| should witness the attention lavished upon his
daughter by all these families. whose heirl
! were the representatives of large estates; ye
pleasantly amongst his guests, and noticed
| with pain that st. Clair sought every opportu
| nifty of provoking quarrel with Adhemar
who quietly and politely ignored his rudeness
| "Will you not give us little music, my
dear danghteri" said the Count. "Sng al
Italian air my cousin, have no doubt, pre-
fers that style of music"
mo, monsieur prefer French music"
Indeed, is it possible, after living so loni
in ItalyT
my taste is very natural, monsieur pre-
fer the style of music that recalls my deares
associations"
"And our country" said St. Clair sneering gly
ais sufficiently fortunate TO inspire your dear
est thoughts"
at least" replied Adhemar.
"Of course. the thought of home is pleasin
to every one" continued st. Clair.
Adhemar for the first tune appeared deepl
, moved, he answered =" 1 did not speak {
home NJ de St. Clair; you we'll know that
/, can make no alusion to it." His manner an
tone were evidently those of wounded fee
ing that Blanche was touched. She droppe
her haughtiness at ouce and made herself quit
! agreeable; they spoke of music, ehe oblglugl
| PLAYED and sang everything thnt he desireC
{ and be remained at her side the resi- of th
evening Ere separating for the night chang
had evidently been wrought in the feelings
both for though their opinions OCCASIONAL
: clashed, and Adhemar testified less ad miratio
|. for her than she had been accustomed to r
: ceive, one could notice the different expresso
of his countenance, whilst Blanche sought ht
!, bed less discontentedly, and slept better tha
she had for a-loug time,
5 The next morning at breakfast the CouI
J said he must make excursion into the neig
! boring county that would consume nearly I'll
u whole day. Before starting he wished to kno
II how his guests were going to spend their da
: All had something pleasant laid oHt, and be
. ged him not to worry himself the least on the