St. Landry democrat., 1893-05-13
The Story of Evangeline.
A STORY FOR CHILDREN.

| Nearly all Louisiana children have
heard of the beautiful Bayou Techc
| which flows through the prcttiest por-
| ton Of our State-perlIaps some OF my
young readers live on its banks and
play under the great spreading oaks
| that keep the grass there SO cool and
pleasant. | wish we could all get to-
getller under one of those shady trees
| and could tell you the sweet story that
| a famous poet, named Henry Long
| fellow has written, but as we live SO
| far apart [ shall have to make my pen
speak for me and when you are Older
you must read the poem; you will like
| it all the better because it tells 50 much
about our own Louisiana.
A great many years ago, before the
American Colonies became independent
States, the little village of Grand Pre-
was settled in far off Novia Scotia by a
number Of French people, called AGA
set, paying little heed to the wars which
were carried on between the French and
English, who quarreled constantly over
their American possessions. The AGA
dian settlement was happy, peaceful
spot, and fairest aud sweetest of It's
maidens was EvaDgeline, only child OF
rich farmer Benedict, the pride OF the
village, and as good as she was beauti-
full. Great was the rejoicings in Grand
Pre- when it's simple inhabitants learn
ed that handsome young Gabriel, the
popular son of the blacksmith, was soon
to marry dark-eyed Evaugeline. Ev-
eryone prayed for blessings On the
young couple. But before the wedding
day arrived the English captured Grand
Pre- and carried many Of its Inhabitants
to distant lands. Young Gabriel was
among the unfortunate number and
EvaDgeliDe was left to mourn his loss.
Her fathers home was burned by the
soldiers and he soon died broken heart
ed so poor, lonely Evangeline began a
journey of search for her lover. She
knew that some of the Acadians had
been sent to Louisiana and hoped to
find Gabriel there. Through long
months she continued her search till she
reached Louisiana and wandered along
the Bayou Teche to the town of St. Mar
tinsville, where she found her country
men but Gabriel had gone to seek her
and though sue followed, the years pass
ed and still found them separated. At
last, when EVangelines dark hair had
become wrinkled, she became Sister
Of Mercyin Pennsylvania; always work
ing among the poor and sick, beloved
by all for her gentleness aud patience.
One quiet Sunday evening she was call
ed to the bedside of a dying man. He
was old and withered and his life was
fast ebbiDg away, but Evangeline rec
ognized him AS the handsome Gabriel
of long ago. SO after many years of
waiting and hoping, the faithful lovers
saw each other again for few moments
on earth. Gabriel passed away with
bis weary head resting on Evangeline's
true heart, her dear name on his lips,
and before long she was sleeping by his
side in the quiet cemetery.
A great city has grown up where her
iabors OF mercy were wrought and the
graves of the lovers are unknown and
uncared for, but never listen to the
murmurs Of the Teche waters, or hear
the breeze sigh through the oaks, that l
do not fancy it is sad hearted Evange-
line, calling in vain for her beloved Ga
briel.-By Jennie G. Rogers in the La
dies Companion.