She is not,' returned the Padre, 'or she was not.

When she was young--God help me, I fear I neglected that wild lamb--she was surely sane; and yet, although it did not run to such heights, the same strain was already notable; it had been so before her in her father, ay, and before him, and this inclined me, perhaps, to think too lightly of it.

But these things go on growing, not only in the individual but in the race.' 'When she was young,' I began, and my voice failed me for a moment, and it was only with a great effort that I was able to add, 'was she like Olalla ?' 'Now God forbid!' exclaimed the Padre.

'God forbid that any man should think so slightingly of my favourite penitent.

No, no; the Senorita (but for her beauty, which I wish most honestly she had less of) has not a hair's resemblance to what her mother was at the same age.