The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1921-01-13

Normandy Drought 10 the Isle ue
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
cut means, the young widow made her
way to an uninhabited island where
she could cultivate the soil without
the payment Of rent, and there SHE
built rude home for herself and her
little child, a daughter whom she
named Virginia.
At the same time another woman
with a 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.
Marguerlte'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 II known. When they
learned to speak, the first names they
learned 10 give each other were broth
er and sister. For the rest, they went
almost naked, and could neither rea
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 La Tour saw the un-
folding charms OF her daughter size be-
came alarmed for her future and hum
bled herself to write 10 an old aunt I'm
France asking for aid for Virglnia's
sake.
The aunt replied coldly, commencing
her to the governor OF the island, add
ing: "Your dlsgraceful marriage has
brought its righteous punishment"
Deserted by her kinsfolk, the poor
widow took Paul and Virginia to 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 La Tour read
the stories which time had hallowed,
teaching them to 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 all 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 will be man, and then we will
have much TO fear"
Madame de La Tour hesitated. "Let
us wait. Let us send Paul to India
for a time. There he will be able to
earn money with which to provide
home for himself and Virginia"
To this plan Paul would not consent.
II am needed here. Domingo is old
and our mothers are alone. / shall
stay"
At this moment came another letter
from the aunt in Normandy asking
that Virginia be sent TO her for edu-
cation. IF she follows my wishes"
the aunt wrote, "she may look forward
TO being my heiress."
Virginia was alarmed at this offer
and Paul was angry. The madame de-
eided against II.
The governor Of the island now
urged that Virginia be sent.
A missionary of the island Joined the
governor in urging that Virginia go to
her kinswoman, and at last with
heart filed with anguish. mother and
daughter, thinking It Gods will, con-
eented.
Paul was puzzled by all this secret
council.
Meanwhile virginia's consent had
brought from her aunt gold to pay for