The diamond drill., 1921-05-28

TN THE year 1726 n young man of
Normandy brought 10 the Isle de
France his young wife, whose fam
lily was Of noble blood Shortly after
ward he was taken with the fever and
died. leaving her alone on the isle.
Estranged from her family and with
out means. the young widow mads her
way TO an uninhabited island where
she could cultivate the soil without
the payment OF rent, and there she
built a rude home for herself and her
little child. a daughter whom she
named Virginia.
At the same time another woman
with son named Paul settled on the
same island. and the two women, mu-
tually grateful for aid and comfort, be-
came fast friends, although they had
been OF different stations In life.
Marguerite's servant, named Domin-
go, a powerful black man, was the
husband Of Marie, who was Madame
de la Tours hand maid. Bound TO
each other by similar needs the two
lonely women spent much time togeth-
er. and the two children were almost
inseparable Their attachment was
very marked even from the cradle. II
Virginia was In trouble. the cries Of
Paul made IL known. When they
learned 20 speak, the first names they
learned TO give each other were broth
er and sister. For the rest. they went
almost naked. and could neither READ
nor write.
From the beauty OF their bare limbs
one might fancy them two OF Niobe's
children escaped from the marble.
AS Madame de Tn Tour saw the un-
folding charms OF her daughter sl,e be
came alarmed for her future aud hum
bled herself 10 write 10 an old nunt IN
France asking for MD for Virginin's
sake.
The aunt replied coldly, commending
her to the governor of the island. add.
ing: "Your disgraceful marriage has
brought Its righteous punishment"
: Deserted by her kinsfolk. the poor
widow took Paul and Virginia 10 her
arms.
Paul became a planter, busy and
skilful, while Virginia spun or tended
the goats and helped In the house.
Thus passed their innocent youth.
To them Madame de In Tour read
the stories which time had hallowed.
teaching them 10 find their happiness
In serving others.
Their lives seemed bound up In that
OF the trees. They knew no historical
epochs, no chronology save that Of
their orchards. No care wrinkled their
brows. no intemperance poisoned their
blood. They had oil the freshness OF
the morning of life. They loved each
other naturally and purely.
1t was wise Marguerite who said
Let us marry our children. Soon
Paul viii be man, and then we will
have much TO fear"
Madame de La Tour hesitated. "Let
us wait. Let us send Paul 10 India
for q time. There he will be able 70
earn money with which 20 provide n
home for himself and Virginia"
To this plan Paul would not consent.
II am needed here. Domingo Is old
and our mothers are alone. I shall
stay"
At this moment came anorher letter
from the aunt In Normandy asking
that Virginia be sent 10 her for edu. +,
cation. ''If she follows my wishes"
the aunt wrote. "she may look forward
10 being my helress"
Virginia was alarmed at this offer |
and Paul was angry. The madame de-
cided against Il.
The governor Of the island now |
urged that Virginia be sent.
A missionary Of the island Joined the |
governor In urging that Virginia 20 to |
her kinswoman. and at last with n |
heart filled with anguish. mother and |
daughter, thinking II Gods viii. CON
sented.
Paul was puzzled by all this secret |
council.
Meanwhile virginia's consent had |
brought from her aunt gold to pay for