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


49, >>~~-~~~~>>-~~-
"The bypocriteI Ard thought him suoh
q saint, for l have heard HIS beDefcencs
praised on all sides and. independent of this,
wns disposed to feel kindly towards him, be,
cause, when we were e6i,d.en, no Always h S s0ok
erness. Bnt this last trait has completely
turned me against him.
"He is such a just master, too! After his
fathers death he dismissed all the old SER
wants, without the slightest recompense, and
some of them had served VI. de Beloastel
twenty years What do you say to that I"
1T 10 frightful"
add to this estimable character our mu
tnal enlargement, and you will see that my
chances of happiness are few. Bot l have not
told you all. have only depicted him az
son and master: his character rs friend and
brother still rem aims to be ahowu. You know
n. de Clamnrt; he was educated with my
cousin, and they travelled together, you re-
member. You must also have heard of his
marriage, whilst abroad, to q yonng German,
much TO the chagrin of his parents, who had
other views for their son, and were also pre-
judioed against his choice on account of some
injurious reports they bad beard about the
lady. They attributed the match entirely to
the Chevaliers unboupded influence over his
young companion. II is said that the bride,
who Is quite interestng, has already found
favor in the eyes of her new relatives, bnt
they persist in saying that they will never
forgive M. de BelcasteI, who has shown him
self suoh q detestable hypocrite. Rumor whis
pers some dsgracefuG facts connected with the
case, for the truth of which cannot vouch
suspicious: young Clsmart never mentions
his friends name, and they have not the least
intercourse"
Scan it be possible. dear Blanche, that your
father, knowing all these things, would sntter
you to marry such q man u
''Yes, Elise, my father knows all; but he
hates the Clamart family, whose political opin-
ions are opposed to his o wh. He supposes that
they have exaggerated matters. As for me,
fear they have not for it does not seem ut
all likely that people as proud of their birth
f,la ~,
ing the reputation of u woman representing
their own family. But must make haste and
tell you how he behaved towards his sister, or
/ may not be able to get through without in
terrnption. She had married M. d'Harcourt,
one of the finest and most elegant men in
Paris He failed in business. Impelled by
pride-family pride-AdhemRr assumed his
debts, and procured his brother-in-law a stu
alton in Senegal; but, always cold and unfeel
ing, he forced his sister to remain in France,
nearly destitute of the necessaries of life. Sc
parated from her husband, she languished, and
died of grief in about two years. Her chill
dren live with Adhemar, or rather with one of
his Annts, whom he has taken home to super.
intend his household.
"Now. my dear Elise. you know the oha-
raoter of this odious man. You, who are really
my friend, tell me what must do. have
tract; perhaps he may grant me delay. II
could only get Adhemar ont of the notionW
"Do you think it absolutely impossible to
change your fathers intentions ~
"Oh absolutely. have tried every means,
and oil in vain. Indeed, ought not to wish
it. After spending SO many happy years with
my fathcr, 1t seems but right that l should d,
without q murmur, sacr flee to his wishes the
remainder of my life"
"Would you allow me to speak to the Che
Waller Adhemar whom he comesf
"Would that be keeping my word with my
fstheri No, no, it is not worth while to sad
den his.old age. shall let him believe that 1
am happy, very happy"
You will be, my dear Blanche, perhaps
han hiFlr hou thEA
heart to render yon unhappy How often we
see men reform under the inaaence OF an ami
able wifep
"In some failings, but not when they have
vicious hearts and in all cases it is very rash
to depend upon this uncertain influence.
No, no, Elise, do not persuade me into think
ing that this marriage will bring me happi-
ness. Do not let unhsppiness surprise me-"
The two cousins mingled their tears
feel" added Blanche, "that your friendship T
and my keen enjoyment of the beauties o.
nature will always remain to comfort me-
Moreover, life is not long for any of US, espec
tally those who suffer-" Here her tears flowed
afresh, and Elise, thinking they would reliev,
her overcharged heart. did not try to ohect
them besides, she had no other oonsolations
to offer.
"Who is this auut of Adhemal'sW she asket
at last.
"The most unfortunate creature 1 eve
heard OF, ;" replied Blanche. /" She has lost h q
husbsnd, her six children, and all her fortune
] hear she is a very good person. but overbur
dened with piety. Poor womani her TROUBLED
have affected her mind. l really pity her
What delightful society awaits mel Adhema
himself is jnst pious and enthusiastic. {
my father! what cruel choice for your child
But here is my maid we must drop the sub
ject. My heart feels relieved. l do not wisi
to appear unhappy before Wy father. l will
try TO control my feelings, Elise; 80 we mus
put on smiling faces.
II.
A largo company had been invited to tb
castle. The Count had taken this means o
divertingt Bianche's mind from dtsagreesbi
reflections, and saving her the embarrassing on
of being left too much alone with her cousin
whilst at the same time il would afford tina
disdainful parsonage an opportunity OF see
ing for himself that the treasure contded
his keeping was the envy OF oil the your
gentlemen Of tho neiGhborhood.
It was easy to perceive that Blanche was no
enchanted with her approaching marriage, an
the anxious relatives of the aspirants to he
hand, as we'll as the latter individuals then
selves had not yet renouuced all hope. Tn
greater part, it is true imposed upon then
solves prudent reserve. Not SO, howeve
with n. de st. Clair and his mother. Thes
two, penetrating the depth of Btauche's repul
NANCE had determined to do everything !
do off 4 mo tcl