Gift books; Indians of North America -- Literary collections
She waited until the torrent of his passion had ceased, then pointing
to the dark clouds that were gathering in the west, reminded him that
they would be missed. The shout that came from the village warned them
too of the necessity of separation. He then marked the agitation of her
manner, bade her return home, telling her that, after her father was
buried, he would come to the lodge of the Jesuit: at what time he could
not say, but not until some amusements should engage the Sioux: then he
would tell her his determination. We-har-ka, overpowered with fatigue
on her return to her lodge, slept soundly, even with the Chippeway girl
by her side.
* * * * *
We-har-ka sat in the wigwam of the Jesuit, listening to the accounts
of the grandeur of the churches and the magnificence of the altars in
the country where Father Blanc had passed his youth. He pointed to
the small figure of Christ, on the altar of cedar wood, which he had
constructed, then told her of the large one of gold which he had often
knelt before in assisting in the ceremonies of the church. We-har-ka,
whose thoughts had been wandering in quest of her lover, asked him
again of the ever interesting story of the death and sufferings of
the Saviour. Like those who witnessed the crucifixion, she wondered
that that Great Being should submit to such indignities. Her religion
would have justified resenting them. Yet she did not believe it was
true, loving still to hear it told over and over again; especially
was it agreeable to her now to while away the hour until her lover,
under pretence of speaking to the priest, should find a chance of
acquainting her with the plans he had formed. She looked again at the
familiar objects on the altar. Again, as ever, she told the priest he
was good and kind, but that she knew the Great Spirit was the father
of all. Father Blanc's insinuating eloquence touched her feelings, but
her heart was unaffected: yet the father, glad of a listener, even in
the untutored Indian girl, dwelt on scenes long past, and it might be
forgotten by all but him.
When the moon rose they sat outside the lodge on a mat. They were now
both silent. The thoughts of the Jesuit wandered far and wide: memory
transported him to the forests of Languedoc.
There he pursued his studies, full of high hope and youthful happiness.
He wandered through the most beautiful scenes of nature, and there was
one by his side; her smile was bent upon him, as she parted the long
ringlets from her brow. He gazed again as he was wont when he bade her
good night, and wondered if angels smiled so sweetly when they bore the
dead to the regions of Paradise. Memory changes the scene. Death and
desolation are met; darkness and beauty are blended strangely. Those
angel eyes are closed, but the sweet smile is there.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
The Iris: An Illuminated Souvenir for MDCCCLII — John Shaqi
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