The Practice of the Presence of God the Best Rule of a Holy Life

st-office. The carrier inquired of Farmer John where the old proprietor of Grinselhof had fixed his residence; b

dy bothered himself any more about the wanderers except the peasant, who every market-day pestered the c

ost-chaise stopped at the door of our old acquaintance the

ed the notary under the plea of his present engagement with other vi

s seemed to be either very tedious clients or engaged in very important business; for more than half an hour elapsed before that functionary made his appearance. He came into the room ceremoniously, prepared to measur

ally happy to see you at last. I am greatly flattered by the confidence you are disposed to place in me, a

ce became serious as he took a portfolio from

y one else. It pleased God that he should die far away from his home. But such, alas! is man's fate. We must console ourselves by th

" said Gustave, as he plac

and, as he perused them, his face exhib

ese documents are all in order and unassailable. Heir of all his

d Gustave, interrupting him rather sharpl

but to nam

otary of Monsie

w

ck had become very poor. I have reasons for des

e bestowed on a worthier man, for I know the cause of his ruin and sufferings. He was a victim of generosity a

ut wounding his pride. I know the condition of his affairs; for my uncle told me all about them. Among other debts there was a bond for four th

ed at Gustave w

by my demand," said Gus

ur emotion, although I fear the news I must impart will affect you painful

d; "explain yourself, sir! Has death been

on't tremble so; they both live, but they

tave, with questioning eage

down and listen; it is not so terrible as you may perhaps

"But let me beg you to hasten your di

his property was mortgaged, and no one would assist him. In order to escape the mortification of a forced sale, De Vlierbeck offered every thing at public auction, even down to his furniture

he chateau of his fam

has le

eside, then? I want

not

ou do n

he left the province without in

o live longer without them?-without knowing what has become of them? Can you giv

eck left Grinselhof on foot and crossed the moor by some unknown road

his eyes. What the notary first told him of De Vlierbeck's misfortunes had wounded his sensibility, though he was less struck by that recital, because he had already become partially aw

g man, shrugged his shoulders, and re

e to discover people whom we want to find. With a little money and diligence we may be sure, in a few days, to discover Monsieur De Vlierbeck's retreat, even if

tary as he grasped his hand and re

et me know soon, where De Vlierbeck and his daughter are hidden. It is impossible for me to describe the sufferings of my heart or the ardor of m

ght in every direction. To-morrow morning early I will be off to Brussels and secure assistance

of our house under contribution, and nothing shall be omitted

es, I will be gratified if you allow me to speak to you a moment quietly and seriously. I have no right to ask what are your intentions, and still less the

ble determination,"

ing before you coolly what you are about to do. You are a millionaire; you have a name which in commerce alone represents an immense capital. Monsieur De Vlierbeck is penniless; his ruin is g

mpatience; but he soon turned away his eyes and began to fold up the papers

uty, and I thank you; but we have had enoug

e contemptuous interruption of his visitor; yet he strove to

l do as you please. Grinselhof was bought in by the m

ives t

No one goes to the

ht from its pre

to offer it to any one for t

me! Be kind enough to info

operty from this moment. If you wish to visit i

o go, and, as he did so, pressed the

you have given me. May God help you in your efforts to fulfil your promise