Miejour (Volume 2); Or, Provena Al Legend, Life, Language, an Literature (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XX. LOU MOT DB SANTO CLARO ' My barque at last has reached a quiet haveD, And the uncertain voyage of my life Ends not aloDe in safety, but reward. Therefore I will unload my freight of happiness, Of which, from Thee alone my share's derived. For all my former search in deep philosophy, Not knowing Thee, was a mere dream of life. But Thou, in one sweet moment, has more taught me Than all the efforts of the learned could reach--Gave me to feel, when Thy sweet love began, For what great end the Eternal formed man I"--Old Writer. The Countess Blanche had left the church before the conclusion of the sermon. There was still a second, but shorter service, which was held in about two hours' time, and which allowed the congregation to retire to their homes for their mid-day meal. As the people slowly left the church, Guy, refusing all kind invitation of hospitality, went to visit a dying member of the little flock. And when the second service had been concluded, the old chariot of the Villeneuves stood once more at the door to bring him--as it had always brought the pastors--to tarry in the chateau. De Barras had heard that a pious gentlewoman of the vicinity was in the habit of thus taking care of the pastor's wants, but he had not been curious enough to inquire the name. He had fully believed that the Countess de Brignoles was dead some years before, for he had read an announcement of that nature; and as he drove along, absorbed in meditation, it was only when he entered the wide avenue, bordered by stately cork trees, and fringed with prickly pear and aloes, behind whose barrier noble, almost tree-like, geraniums rose in rich luxuriance, that he became aware that he was rapidly sweeping on towards that old chateau which had played so sad a part n his ...