The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1877-12-30

Blanche was SO much tho more erieyed at
her fathers death, as she believed 10 losing
him che had lost the only being On earth that
the affections OF AdhemAr, whose reserve in
creased in proportion to her recovered compo-
sure, thus confirming the idea that abe had
never inspired bin with any sentiment but that
she spent her leisure moments in the cham"
Der where her father died. She had allowed
nothing to be disturbed, especially the altar
which she had arranged for the administration
of the saoraments; and here she often came to
offer ~ q fervent prayer for the repose of that
soufs 80 deer, 30 mediate The inp or-
tapt affairs Of eternal salvation.
After deep consider alton of the subject, and
EnreDittiBg prayers for the enlightenment OF
her mind, she determined q: Last to ask Ad-
hemar for al explanation Of his mysterious
conduct.
On accosting him with this intention, she
was 30 struck with his dtjscted air, that she
forgot her own troubles in anxiety to learn the
Adhemarf' she suxionsly enquired.
Nothing to alarm you, my dear. have
just received letter from my unfortunate
his recent arrival in France under soc raost
embarrassing circumstances"
Does he demand his children 7" aaked
Blanche, neryoDsly.
'No, be does not even mention them. He
has ltfs Senegal TO escape his creditors, snd,
poor fellow, be really seems in q cad plight.
He is abandoned by everybody; in . word,
dear Blanche, he is now in Paris, sick, penni-
lees, friendiess, aud impressed with the idea
that he'll is open before him.
If it is the recollection of his past life tor
menting him. we may augur favorably for his
future"
ayes, it gives us room to hope"
"Then why should this news trouble you
II M. d'Harcourt is truly changed, and desires
provide him living. He 4s cur brother, the
father of our little girls. We must do every
thing we can to place him in the right road,
which q sad experience and selfredeciion may
now dispose him to follow"
Tes, my dear Blanche, it is my duty no
doubt; but one which, must confess, costs
spite of myself I shrink from it; but since you
confirm what conscience dictates, / ought no
longer to hesitate"
81 cannot understand Why it should be SO
painful. / am sure that if you had to reproach
yourself with neglect, the ides would be more
indispensable sail But pardon me for pre-
snming to preach to you"
I" thank you thousand times; you preach
Justice" said Adbemar, signing. Yes, mus.
resign myself TO leave you agaln."
90 Leave me sgain" exclaimed Blanche, turn
!" Yes, Blanche; d'Harcourt ent1eats me to
come to him. and If do not 60, how can be |
of any service to himf"
Stunned at this announcement, Blanche
nearly tainted. In vain did Adhemar, sup |
porting her in his arms, beg her to say what |
she desired him to do.
81 desire nothing" said che, bursting into |
tears. The idea of being separated from him |
death, wss insupportable. Partially recover
ing Der compoeure, che was too confused even
to look st A5hemar, and wished to retire at
once 10 her own chsmoer; but lie restrained
her. saying vebementiy
Ny dear Blanche, snall ever be able to I
onderstsud You; Cad you not divine the
EARN which renders new absence 30 pain.
fol to met Does not your heart tell you all
hat mil ~ ia - IT, ~ I
As you do, and reminding me of uy duties as
forcibly as you have done. do you not feel
that little more csndor on your part would
render you happier and myself less uneasy
during another separations L yen could only
know how hard it is for me TO sta.t ous again
\ solitary traveller, uncertain IS 20 whether o
cordial reception awaits L. ny return, !
think you cor!d not have toe heart 70 refuse |
the slight acknowledgment or explanation
that would relieve my crushed spirit"
"HonsieGr, I have not tie remotest idea as |
to what you mean. l have often and vainly |
en desvored to uuderstapd you vhen aIIuding |
to some fault on ICY conscience that requires |
an explanation TO you. 1 am too we'll acquaint- |
ed with the duties of my position to practise !
perfectly sincere when l say that my heart !
reproaches me with nothing in this respect. |
II yo1 know what tho trouble is, please have !
the charity 70 enlighten me; the fault must
G od's grace to know myself, and make nee
of every means in my power to attain this
eud
The pleasure depicted upon Adhemsris
countenance when Blanche began TO speak
had entirely given way TO an expression of
tenderness aud compassion; he was just about
to reply vheu they were interrupted by the
arriv al of the msil
my brother-in-law is very i'll, his physi-
clan writea," said Adhemar, consequently 1
must hasten my departure. have been
my dear Blanche, that it wopid be
more pleasant for you to pass the period of
nay absance with your coosin Elise, and. if
agreeable, will take you there myself. The
separation will be less peinfal to me when
know that you arc with your best friend"
Blanche expressed her satisfaction st this
arrangement; bas on learning that they must
start in two days, she could scarcely control
her emotion, whilst Adhemar appeared per-
fectly unmoved.
Household affairs, the examination of papers,
and other business that mnst DO terminated
promptly, did not allow this unhappy couple
an instant to resume their interrupted CONVEX
sRtion. The evening before their departure,
all their preparations being made, Blanche,
after q short visit to her fathers chamber,
where she thanked God most fervently for his
conversion, though her Ibsnksgiyipgs were
mingled with tears of sorrow for the void his
departure had made, rejoined AdhemaI, who
was already awaiting her in the dining loom.