“I deny not the superior nobility of the principle of my order,” returned the Knight, “inasmuch as it excludes selfishness, save as it is of necessity, connected with the aspiration for salvation; still can I not be mistaken in the admiration of a sentiment which lifts man above all baseness, and prompts him to achieve exploits that shall send his name reverberating through the halls of princes and the cabins of laborers, to be warbled by the lips of beauty at the festival, or shouted in front of the charging host.  Yet, mistake me not, Celestina, but believe, that while my heart loves not honor less, my understanding renders a deeper homage to the principle of Ignatius.  But whither hath my wandering talk strayed?” he added, checking himself.  “I did desire, after delivering thy letter, to say, that it is my purpose to follow hard on the heels of Master Arundel, and also to caution thee to continue to keep carefully concealed, during my absence, the sacred crucifix, and whatever else might betray us to our enemies.  Forgive me that I give this advice, but I see that thou hast relaxed thy watchfulness over the missal.”

“The warning is unnecessary.  Nightly is the blessed cross, whereon the hands of his holiness have been laid, deposited with my missal and rosary in our place of concealment.  And as for Neebin, fear not to trust her.  She is as jealous of her treasure as could be thou or I. But leave me not until you receive tidings from the heretics.  These ill-omened reports I like not.  They may, indeed, be idle, yet it is only, prudence to wait.”

“I care not for them, yet, to pleasure thee, would I do more.  I will remain, according to thy wish, and, meanwhile, to-night, seek Sassacus, who soon returns to his distant tribe.”

“Be it so, then,” said the lady.  “Neebin.” she called to the Indian girl, who was in the adjoining apartment, and who, at the summons, came running up; “give me now the book, and I will tell thee a story about one of the pictures.”

The Knight understood this as a signal to withdraw, and accordingly took his leave.

The lady, on his departure, instead of talking with the child, returned her the missal with no excuse, and drawing the letter of Father Le Vieux from her bosom, commenced reading it again.

“My judgment, then,” she murmured, “is confirmed by that of the holy father.  Thus writes he:  ’I fear, my daughter, that the leaven hath not done its perfect office.  There be many called, but alas, how few are fit for the work!  In some things hesitancy is a deadly sin.  Let the faint hearted step aside, that more vigorous souls may take their place.’  Whatever may be the consequences,” she continued to herself, “I feel cheered, in that my course will be approved by the father.  Thou knowest, holy Mary, that it was through no ignoble motive, but only for thy glory I did this thing, whereof, alas! my poor woman’s heart more than half repented.  Oh! pity, that