"A papist and a Frenchman--unpardonable sin!" she said into the distance.

"Jessica, what a sinner art thou!" Presently there was a tap, the door opened, and George Gering entered.
She turned to receive him, but there was no great lighting of the face.

He came quickly to her, and ran his arm round her waist.

A great kindness looked out of her eyes.

Somehow she felt herself superior to him--her love was less and her nature deeper.