The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1921-01-29

TN THE year 1728 a young man Of
Normandy brought to 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 made her
way to an uninhabited island where
she could cultivate the soil without
the payment Of rent, and .here she
built q rude home for herself and her
little child, daughter whom she
named Virginia.
At the same time another woman
with q son named Paul settled on the
same island, and the two women, mu-
tually grateful for aid and comfort, ht.
came fast friends, although they ha.'
been Of different stations in life.
Marguerite's servant. named Domin.
70, 4 powerful black man, was the
husband Of Marie, who was Madame
de In Tours hand maid. Bound to
each other by similar needs the twd
lonely women spent much time togeth-
er, and the two children were almost
inseparable. Their attachment was
very marked even from the cradle. u
Virginia was in trouble. the cries OF
Paul made II known. When they
learned to speak. the first names the!
learned to give each other were broth
er and sister. For the rest. they wens
almost naked, and could neither rea1
nor write.
From the beauty Of their hare limbs
one might fancy them two ut Niobe's
children escaped from the marble.
Az Madame de In Tour saw the IN.
folding charms Of her daughter she he
came alarmed for her future and hum
bled herself to write 10 an oil aunt w
France asking for MD for virginia's
sake.
The aunt replied coldly, commencing
her to the governor Of the island, add
ing: "Your disgraceful marriage has
brought It's righteous punishment."
Deserted by her kinsfolk, the poor
widow tOok Paul and Virginia to heI
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 theil
brows, no intemperance poisoned theiI
blood. They had all the freshness OF
the morning of life. They loved each
other naturally and purely.
It was wise Marguerite who said
Let us marry our children. Soon
Paul win be man, and then we viii
have much to fear"
: Madame de La Tour hesitated. LET
rs wait. Let us send Paul to India
for time. There he will be able te
earn money with which to provide Q
home for himself and Virginia.
To this plan Paul would not consent
II am needed here. Domingo Is ole
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 Panl was angry. The madame de
cided against It.
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 q
heart filled with anguish, mother and
daughter. thinking Il Gods VIII, con
scented.
Paul was puzzled By III this secrei
council.
Meanwhile Elrslnia,s consent had
bpusht from ~ aunt sold e ~ 20