The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1877-12-23
Msrning S+sr and Catholic Messenger,
INV ORLrANs, SUNDAY, DECEMBER ~. 1871
ADHEMAR DE BELCASTEL,
BE NOT HAsTY In JUDGING.
C opyril lhted by tho New York CATHOLIC Publication
Company, al published NTH its permission.
IContinped. !

Whilst Blauche's devotion to duty eftorded
it's uufailipg need OF consolation she was
suddenly aroused to q renewal OF her slum-
bering sorrow by n letter from Adhemar; IL
was dated from Paris, aud contained only
few words, preparing them for hrs ARRIVAL In
two or three days.
was alternately prey to joy aud fear. and all
those feelipgs over which che supposed herself
an undeniahle victor, returned with increasing
strength. Mime. Duval was enchanted. Now
my dear" said she, 81 shall see you happy at
Last. Everything will be expiained.' g.,
"But, madam" replied Blanche, II nope
you will keep the promise you made OF asking
no explanation"
HOhi certainly: but il will not be necessary
to ask any explanation, rs Adhemsr Is quite
"a anxious, If not more 40 than yourself to
aDon't you think, madam: that the road
fan of snowf Would it not be advisable to |
have . passage cleared for III. de Belcastolf'
"ohi yes; my child; do you give orders to
al would not like him to find such an obsta- |
els to his progress His feelings are certainly |
in NO need OF being chilled" |
any dear Blanche. you must SFy to over |
come these bard feelings towards Adhemar, my |
poor Adhemar."
a melancholy smile. "I only wish it were DOS. |
aible to overcome my affection for him. You
know that it has been q long time since my
place to an unrequited affection that has
caused me inex pressible SORROW"
.'My dear child, beg yon, in forming just
comprehensible conduct. 1t will all be ex-
plain ed satisfactorily, know"
"Ah madam, il you only knew ':. TnaS .s
benefit this has been to me in q spiritual point
of view, you would hardly regret it, on my ac'
count at least"
"You have certainly borne this severe trial
much better than / could have believed you
would"
"It has given me an opportunity of beoom,
cd nnvaalf the occupations
and duties NJ. do Belcastel advised certainly
believed that was guided by the love of God
and the desire of being useful to my fellow
creatures. But when perceived that all these
efforts failed to win my husbands affections,
the detection and weariness that followed con-
vinced me had been working for human love
jim fact for selfinterest. My lesson has bean
such hard one that now look at the utility
of these duties, and resolve to Persevere
without ever dreaming of the appreciation
"Your experience, my child, is that of many
others; We often believe ourselves acting
purely for Gods sake. when in reality our mo-
tives are widely different Bot you have
pro6ted so by your lesson that We must thank
God for the good he has drawn from what was
that all will yet come right, the mystery Will
be cleared up and yon and Adhemar realize the
blessings of domestic happiness"
"God grant it! resign myself to his holy
will"
when Blanche gave orders to prepare the
road for Adhemar's return, there was general
tions to welcome his arrival; his little nieces
were in ecstssies; and she herself shared the
universal agitation If not the gayety: Look,
ing forward to the approaching Interview as
one expects q sentence of life or death, che
louged for the quiet and rePose of night to col
lest her thoughts and refresh her dropping
spirits by n draug ght from that fountain of in
e1haustible sweetn uninterrupted commn
nion with loving and compassionate God
On retiring to her chamber she was greeted by
Mile. Nsrtin's joyo exclamation. 20 mad
ami" said she, II have never seen such rfjoic
ing any where, and it is especially on your &C
"On my aooountf'
eyes madam the people say they wish tc
express their gratitude for all yon have done
for them during d. de Belcastels absence
your charity to the poor, your maternal ten
derness to the children, your universal kind
you or monsieur. 1t is certain, they say, tha
you were made for one another and destined
to diffuee happiness around you"
Bl0nches only answer was sigh o few
tears trickled down her cheeks, and, Fastening
to dismiss her maid, she endesvored to nerve
herself for the future, whatever it might brinf
forth.
Next morning her counter aroe expressed tn
serenity of q mind at ease. II bee, my child,
said Nine. Duval, "that your hour OF rsooliec
tion has been we'll employed you have learn
cd to view the matter in it's true aspect"
al have been convinced, u al Am, that what
ever God sends MS is always accompanied b!
his benediction
"You are right; and with this conviction
the Shafts of sorrow may wound, but can neve
destroy your happiness"
After breakfast blanche went ont to visi
her school. 1t was extremely cold and tn
snow which covered the country whirln
through the air in every direction. The wal
was far from eCreesble; but this was the da
hxed upon by apohe for the yearly examiua
Ion, and no obstacle, unless absolutely insuI
nonntable, could turn her aside from reCoG
nized duty. Besides, she needed some hin
just now TO occupy her attention.
Enveloped in her peGse ard rosy from exc
Cise, size reacted her school, which che fouu
Also participating in the joyous excitemeI
OopeeGle upon the news OF A. de Bslcastel
return. Even the old sohool-mistress relaxt
for the while her rreproachable gravity. A
ter examining the children Blanche was CO
WINGED of their rapid progress, and also tn
AdbenIar could but think the same, should
take the trouble to give them little atte
tion. At all events, she very mu
pleased with their improvement; for" ga
she, 1.-The good work continues, whether
knows IL or not"
Toward evening Nine. Duval and the oh
dren were standing at one of the PArlor W
nhn al