Oh, Florry! will you--can you--do you deny the charge ?" The cousins stood up, and each gazed full upon the other.

Mary's face was colorless as marble, and her hands were tightly clasped as she bent forward with a longing, searching, eager look.

A crimson glow rushed to Florence's very temples; then receded, leaving an ashy paleness.
"I am a member of the Church of Rome." Mary groaned and sank back into her chair, at this confirmation of her fears.

Florence leaned against the chimney, and continued in a low, but clear voice--"I have little to say in defense of what you may consider a deception.

I deny the right of any on earth to question my motives of actions; yet I would not that you, Mary, who have loved me so long and truly, should be alienated, without hearing the reasons which I have to allege in favor of my conduct.