sonage of the story is not a "hero" in the usual acceptation of the term. Power and weakness, vigilant foes and undefended outposts, such is the picture of the times in which we live, attempted in this narrative. It is usual to describe a character, and then write up to the description. A contrary method is pursued in the present work. First impressions are described, or permitted to be made; but, as in society, the characters are left to attest, or belie, or correct those first impressions on further acquain tance. To say that the "fiction" is "founded on fact" were to debit a very trite common-place: the reader will judge for himself from the heartfulness with which his friend, the author, has achieved his enterprise. It has been his object throughout to avoid useless details, and obvious reflections; conscious, as he is, that the hearts whose sympathies he craves, need but prominent facts to arouse their generous emotions. He is prepared for misrepresentation, and shrinks not from the ordeal,-animated by the hope that his book may do good service, by pointing out the awful effects of Jesuitism in its disregard for human suffering; by exhibiting the wiles and tricks of propagandism-in fact, "The very age and body of the time, his form and pressure." His work is suggestive: his object is to enlighten mankind on the mystery of "conversions." To the Jesuits, he believes, he has done ample justice they will be found true to themselves on every occasion. In conclusion, his sweetest hope is that many a gentle heart will find in him a sympathizing friend and defender. ANDREW STEINMETZ. Garden Cottage, Fakenham, Norfolk, Feb. 1847. THE JESUIT. PART I. THE PLOT. K. HEN. So flies the reckless shepherd from the wolf; HENRY VI. Act v. Scene vi. CHAPTER I. A DISCUSSION. "BUT what reasonable objection can you make to the proposal?" said Mr. Devigne, addressing Mrs. Malcolm, his elderly sister. “Objection? Every objection that religion and prudence can suggest.” 66 Religion! Prudence! Really I cannot conceive what they can object against my son's travelling on the continent. It seems to me that both religion and prudence demand that a change for the better should be effected in him; and this, I B think-nay, I am certain-will be brought about by travelling. For the last three years I have observed in Leonard, a morbid sensibility-a sort of sentimentalism; equally opposed, as I take it, to what even you understand by religion and prudence. If you think my opinion worthless, be satisfied with that of his tutor, who strongly advises the step." "His tutor, forsooth!" This exclamation suspended the discussion for a moment. Mrs. Malcolm's sarcastic irony was not without effect on her brother. He rejoined : “Do you know, sister, your pointed dislike to Mr. Bainbridge is less excusable than your religious alarms? I cannot account for it.” "Nor I, brother." "From the very first you showed him little favour: you have been at times positively uncivil to him; and yet he has neither resented, nor complained of your treatment. He has given you some rare lessons of patience, allow me to observe, sister! I never saw two persons so successful in their respective determinations-you to try his temper in every possible way, and he to possess his soul in patience,' to borrow your favourite sentence. You have both succeeded; but all will allow the greater praise to Mr. Bainbridge. His long suffering is truly wonderful; but his 'soft word' cannot, it seems, turn away the wrath of a woman. Why don't you fulfil the Scriptures, if you won't practise charity?" “A truce to this irreverent bantering! Remem HIS CHARACTER' ANALYSED. 3 ber, brother, that you mock not me, but Him who imspired those words which you profane." "Well, well; I stand corrected. But really, I am, and have been, very curious to discover the cause of your antipathy. How is it that every body else esteems the man? A favourite with all who know him one of those rare men who have discovered the art of pleasing-who are born to make others happy; and in that fulfilment to be happy themselves." "Mr. Bainbridge is obliged to you for a 'character.' "But what can you say against it? Take him in detail-analyze him and state your objections. His politeness is proverbial "I admit it-" دو "His conduct strictly moral-' "So it would appear-" "He is open, generous, sincere-” 66 Striking resemblances, I grant-" "His learning immense-" "Doubtless-" Again, his personal appearance is decidedly favourable you were yourself struck with it, you remember; and allow me to remind you that you said a very kind word to him in the first interview." "Yes! the hearts of the old as well as the young, may be surprised: but the former are sooner re-established. Mine was surprised: it is re-established. It is the very perfection which he displays, that makes me dread the man. He is |