The sun., 1904-05-22
THE TEST OF MIRlE-
Road BY Which the Lady Of Bon
Seeours Led Young Sadof Back
10 the Sea.
From ~ FrVaeh.

In the little sitting room, where 1t was
already growing dark. the old man sat op-
posite the young sailor On the tahae
was little statue Of tho Virgin in old faiencs
near a little board and q new candle.
You owe me obedience. said the old
sacristan TO his nephew, because l am
your only relative and because have al
ways lived honestly in the shadow OF the
church. Now. have reflected long con-
corning your future and l am going to
advise you. But you must swear ON tins
little statute OF the Virgin to obey me-
Mirie foresaw that his uncle was going
to ask him once more to give up the sea,
and the young man loved the sea. On
shore for a few days, he was already wearied
OF that Breton village 30 far from the sea-
He grew stifed in this valley where ono
could neither see the waves nor breathe
the salt winds And besides his employer
expected him the next morning at day
break for the fishing.
Not knowing his nephews thoughts.
the old man continued:
Before die, and with only the thought
Of your good. my child, would talk to you
as your father would have done, and as
my sister. your poor. dear mother. would
have begged Of you
The uncle impressed Mirie by his grave
tone and solemn gestures. After long
hesitation the young sailor reached out
his hand toward the little faiences tatue,
and swore TO follow the advice OF the
sacristan.
You will aoon be So the old man went
on. Abandon a life OF adventure and
dangers. Take a wife, found family
and become landowner.
.Ah" groaned the young man. Moth
ing could cost me more than to keep such
promise. for love the sea, uncle, with an
infinite love.
A more human tenderness viii re-
place in your heart that unnatural pas
sion. You must marry. I have two in
view for you. Both love you. Dame
Ameline. q widow, little mature, but rich.
and little Mucheste, who is poor, but young
and very pretty.
Mirie remembered, indeed. that Dame
Ameline smiled at him in an engaging
manner and that Muche;te blushed when
he passed her Yet these did not stir his
heart His desire for love had died In
his regret for the sea. Seeing him de-
jected. the old man continued:
Don't think me 50 presumptuoue as
to impose nv will upon you without
higher sanction. pious tradition OF
this country causes the young people TO
be guided in choosing by the good Virgin.
DO like the others. Fas,en this statue
OF Mary and this lighted candle 10 the
little board While murmuring fervent
prayer 60 place this little Offering to noat
upon the river and do you follow.
Where II stops you stop. The bones
OF Dame Amelne and Mucheste are upon
the bank OF the river. Go 10 the house
thus pointed out. rap boldly on the door.
There will be the companion OF your
life whom the Virgin will have chosen for
your happiness.
Mirie's respect for his uncle and his faith
in the Virgin compelled him TO make The
trial in spite Of bis repugnance. He took
the candle, the statue and the board. kissed
his uncle. then with slow steps and heavy
heart set out. not 10 join his employer
alas, but to fulfil his promise.
H.
1t was a dark night when Mirie passed
through the sleeping village snd gained
the river. All was deserted and silent.
Mists rose from the water and 6oated
over the fields. The trees were silhouetted
against it like fantastic shadows:
The young sailor knelt in the damp
grass. lighted the candle, placed II With
the sa'oette upon the bSard & and ,at isnnShsd s
said the only prayer he knew. one learned
at his mothers knee. As a man be had
not needed TO learn any other; had
kept him from sin and came quite simply
| from his soul.
| This evening be uttered the prayer With
fervor thas Mary would have pity on hi.
grief and calm in his heart that longing
Tor the sea
The prayer ended. be removed his hands
and let the offering go drifting away. The
little Virgin turned al first upon the ripplinf
water, as if uncertain OF her way, then tool
the current and began TO 80 down the river
Mirie rose and followed the trembling ligh
slowly along the bank
All at once the wind went down, The
water became like q mirror; not . hreatl
made the candle flicker, and before It th.
mist seemed 10 disappear. so that Airi,
had no fear Of losing sight Of IT.
He was getting into . locality little know
to him. and it appeared more and NOR
lonely. AT each step his heart was NOR