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

the splendor of its wild, natural scenery; its majestic oaks displayed their verdant domes, its roses bloomed as sweetly as of old, elder

there was more life and movement than formerly. At the coach-house two grooms were busy washing and polishing a new and fashionable coach; while the neigh of horses

lor, and the waiting-maid ran in, exclaiming, "Good Heavens! the

reakfast-things; and, entering the parlor, she placed them silently on a table before a young gentle

for the richness and elegance of their modern style, there were chairs, tables, and cabinets whose sombre hue and elaborate carving denoted an antiquity of several centuries. On the walls were numerous pictures, dimmed by smoke and time, encased in frames that had lost h

titors every thing that belonged to Monsieur De Vlierbeck. How has it come to pass that these

casket placed on a bracket in the corner. He opened it with apparent indifference and took out some simple jewelry,-a pair of ear-rings and a coral necklace. He ga

ent nod and went forth to the most secluded parts of the garden. Stopping at the foot of a wild chestnut-tree, he threw himself on th

fter market was over John accompanied the peasant home, and would not leave him till he had bought the book back again. I suppose it is an excellent book

said he. "You can't think how happy I am whenever I find any thing that belonged to your mistress. Be assured that I will never forget your goodness." After offering this expression o

you have any news ye

least scrap of news, mother Bes

ving by one's hands. My heart almost breaks when I think of it. Perhaps that good, sweet young lady is reduced to work for other people and labors like a slave to get a mouthful of bread! I have been a servant, sir

simple eloquence of the poor

grew up! that her father might pass his old days in quietness, and that they are now wandering about the world poor, sick, abandoned outcast

ender strings in Gustave's heart; and, as she saw the silent te

e their way without knowing it. If I have done wrong, I am sure you are too kind to be angry with me

raised his downcast eyes and, re

with all my heart! The tears you betrayed from my heart have done me good; for I am very unhappy. Life is a burden; and if God, in his mercy,

cried the peasant-woman, in al

to our marriage, and I became almost mad with joy and impatience as I flew like lightning to the home where I left her; and then my only recompense, my only consolation, was to find her gone and the house of her fathers a wilderness!-to know, alas! that she is poor, and, perhaps, l

an, with her head bent to the earth, sympathized with him truly, till, aft

but we may receive some news of our dear young lady when we least expect it? God is good;

en employed in seeking the wanderers. They have been sought for in every direction, and not the slightest intelligence has been obtained; not a trace, not the

noise attracted his attention as he point

you hear someth

red Bess, without comprehending why

to himself; "why am I so startle

ss, with increasing interest. "Oh, God! I am sure it i

p, and, drawing rein at the door they had just reached, took a l

y, who ordered me to deliver you th

d, while Bess, smiling with hope, followed

ut as he went on a tremor ran through all his limbs, till

Oh, God! she is

cried Bess, "i

mad with delight, running into the house and calling all the servants. "Quick! quick! H

est horses were attached to the vehicle; and, although they strained their bits and pawed the ground

coach was on the road to Antwerp and hidde