I should like to see Florence happy, but her eternal good should first be secured; you are a Protestant, and bitterly opposed to our Holy Church, and I cannot consent to see her marry a heretic, for such you are: she is too far astray already." "If your niece were herself a Papist, your reason would indeed be a cogent one; but, under existing circumstances, I am puzzled to understand you." "Were it not for Mary's influence, Florence would even now rest in the bosom of our Holy Church.

She has done her cousin a grievous wrong; may God and the blessed Virgin forgive her!" Mary groaned in spirit, as she marked the stern glance of his eagle eye, and feebly raising herself, she said: "Mr.Stewart, will you take this seat beside the sofa?
I wish to speak with you." Aunt Lizzy left the room hurriedly, as though she had already said too much, and silently he complied with Mary's request.
"You are pained and perplexed at what my aunt has just said; allow me to explain what may seem a great mystery.

You are not aware that my uncle died a Papist.

Weakened in body and mind by disease, he was sought and influenced in secret, when I little dreamed of such a change.

On his death-bed he embraced the Romish faith, and, as I have since learned, exacted from Florry a promise to abide by the advice of his priest, in spiritual as well as temporal matters.