The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1921-04-22

I'm THE year 1726 young man o
Normandy brought to the Isle d.
- France his young wife, whose fam
lily was of noble blood. Shortly after
ward he was taken with the fever ant
died, leaving her alone on the isle.
Estranged from her family and with
out means, the young widow made hel
way to an uninhabited island wher;
she could cultivate the soil without
the payment of rent, and there sh,
built rude home for herself and hel
| 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.
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 it known. When they
learned to 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 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 I'M
folding charms of her daughter size be-
came alarmed for her future and hum
hled herself to write 10 an OLD aunt in
France asking for aid for Virginia's
sake.
The aunt replied coldly, commendine
her to the governor of the island, add
ing: "Your 6isgraeeful 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
fhe stories which time had haIlowed, |
them to find their happiness
in serving others.
Their lives seemed bound up in that |
IF the trees. They knew no historical |
apochs. no chronology save that of |
heir orchards. No care wrinkled their
,rows, no intemperance poisoned their
hood. They had all the freshness of
he morning of life. They loved each
'ther naturally and purely.
1t was wise Marguerite who said:
Let us marry our children. Soon
'aul will be man, and then we will !
ave much to fear"
Madame de La Tour hesitated. LET
IS wait. Let US send Paul to India
or time. There he will be able to
arm money with which to provide a
ONE for himself and Virginia"
To this plan Paul would not consent.
I am needed here. Domingo is old
nd our mothers are alone. / shall
tay."
At this moment came another letter
rom the aunt in Normandy asking
nat Virginia be sent to her for edu-
alton. IF she follows my Wishes"
lie aunt wrote, "she may look forward ,
, being my heiress."
Virginia was alarmed at this offer
nd Paul was angry. The madame de-
ded against it.
The governor of the island now
rged that Virginia be sent.
A missionary of the island Joined the
'vernor in urging that Virginia go to
ar kinswoman. and at last with
cart filled with anguish, mother and
lughter, thinking it Gods will, con- r
nted.
Paul was puzzled by all this secret
uncil.
Meanwhile Virginia's consent had
ought from her aunt gold to pay for