Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1889-09-06


There was a scanty congregation, con-
sisting for the most part of peasant
women, who, during the religious ceremO-
MES, whispered much among themselves
and otherwise paid unusually little atten-
ton to the ministratiOns of Father Andre,
the cure. The service over, all seemed
greatly relieved and pressed rapidly out
into the open air to find the churchyard
thrOnged with eager groups of villagers
who were eagerly discussing news just
communicated by telegraph from the seat
of war
The Chevaner and MS daughter were
almost the last to leave. AS they fingered
in the porch they were joined by Father
Andre, who salutedl them with friendly
respect
Seen thus race TO lace, Un5 UneValier and
the little priest offered a striking contrast,
for the former was a TALL powerfully
built man of forty-five, with erect, mill
tary carriage and face still preserving
much of the fres hness of youth; while the
latter, short, plump and rOtund, was we'll
on in the sixties, with head that dropped
between his shoulders and hair frosted
over with silver rine.
Bad news, CheVaIier!" cried Father
Andre, nodding nerVously at the groups
in the churchyard. You have heard of
cOurse?"
yes, Father, was the reply; "the Ger
mans are rapidly advancing, and We are
earnest"
As he spoke he glanced somewhat visit
fully at the fair face of the girl, looking
eagerly and wOnderingly into his-a spirit
ualized and softened reflection Of his own
face, without the lines left by time or
sorrow.
Grim earnest, as you say!" cried the
little priest, with pugnacious toss Of the
head. But let them look to it-let them
take care; they may go step too far, these
Germans. Our bayOnets viii dig their
graves, though they were twenty times as
manyi"
The Chevalier sighed as he responded:
After all, they are but paying an old
debt. We overran their country as they
are oVeTunning ours"
But it is diferent-it is widely differ
emit. The great Napoleon"
Slowed desOlatiOn and misery far and
wide, interrupted the Chevalier.
He was a great soldier, miraculous
soldier!"
"A great soldier, granted, but little
man, Father. We are reaping now what
he sOWed before we were bOrn!"
Father Andre, perspiring violently. ut
tered an angry exclamation; then, conquer
ing his excitement, he forced a smile and
added:
@Ah! but knOw-eVery one knows-you
are man of peace! From the first you
have said we were In the wrong. Well, 1t
may be possible; but our folly, if it were
folly, was expiated by the foolish EN-
perOr at Sedan. Now it is another affair.
The country is in danger, OheValier. All
true m5n are fOcking to the standard of
our beloved France. I swear to you that
if 1 were q few years younger, and did
not wear this black coat, would be fight
ing at the front myself"
Once more the Chevalier glanced ten
derby at his daughter, and his countenance
grew troubled with some inner pain.
will you dine with us tonight, Father
Andrea" he asked. Il have something
very particular to say to you.
Many thanks, Chevalierj 1 will come.
I must crave mademOiselle's pardon a
thousand times if I have frightened her
with my warlike talk"
Il am not frightened" answered
Blanche, with a gentle smile; "Only was
thinking how terrible is war! Why can
not men love one another, and remain at
peace?"
Quitting the churchyard the Chevalier
and his daughter took n path which led
by circuitous route up to the summit Of
the sea-cliffs.
On the very summit of the cliff, to the
right of Etretat, looking seward, stands
the tiny chapel of NOtre Dame de Ia Garde
(Our Lady Of Safety, the door of which is
open day and night, and the altar of which
is hung with all sorts Of rude VOtive offer
ings, made by the fishermen and those who
live there. Hither father and daughter
bent their footsteps, and presently enter
ing the little chapel, stood for few min
utes in meditation.
Over the altar hung a rude picture, rep
resenting shipwrecked sailors on a raft,
while above them, through an opening in
the cloud, appeared a miraculous vision OF
Our Lady herself Only one other person
was in the building very Ol5 woman
kneeliDg before the picture, praying volu-
bly, and telling her beads. Presently she
rose to her feet and hObbled to the door
still muttering to herself. She paused on
the cliff and looked down at the calm sea,
moving her head painfully from side tC
side.
The Chevalier and his daughter ap-
preached her.
Good day. mother, said the former
Were you Offering up prayer for some
one out yOnder on the seat"
The old woman looked at him from head
to foot, then at the fair girl at his side.
My son is not q fisherman" she an.
sWered; @he is a soldier.
We'll, it is the same thing. There ar,
perils on the land as well as on the ocean
and just now worse perils. Where Is you
son at PRESENT."
eat the front, was the reply. "Th
good God only knows if he lives still.
She added savagely: ~The accursed Ger
1nensl I have heard that out there il
Lorraine, where the Pruss1ans came, on
folks poisoned the spring wells. 1t wa
well done-Well dOne!@
May, mother; it was wickedly done,
done at ALI" cried Blanche, Indignantly
But III never believe 1t of our brav
countrymen!"
The old woman looked at her baIefully
ct is all very well, she returned. 80