SUDDEN FEVER AND COOL FRESH AIR. 239

argued but little, unless to provoke her enchanting fervour of expression, to behold her in all her charms of mind and person animated by discussion. All this is true; but "delay" was the watch-word of the genius presiding over Leonard's destiny. Miss Brenton "submitted," without daring outwardly to ask Cui bono? What's the good of it?

"Thanks for the relic. I'll transfer it to my lips;" and she kissed the spot which the kiss of her lover had crimsoned.

"Oh, when will you-when will you bless my heart with that Yes which will add tenfold intensity to my love? Why not now? Speak the word-in pity, speak it."

Helen disengaged her hand, and rushed to the window, which she threw open: the cool fresh air relieved her sudden fever: the beating of her heart was lessened. Leonard gazed on the answerless

maiden.

She turned, completely self-possessed; and, with her usual animation, she exclaimed:

6

"Well, Mr. Devigne, have you read what I appointed? Let me see, we were on Indulgences,' was it not?"

"Oh, yes, Miss Brenton, I have read it all up; quite satisfactory. I admit it; it's all perfectly correct, no doubt," answered Leonard, smiling in his disappointment.

Miss Brenton resumed her seat.

"Now, let me see if you are convinced, Mr. De

240"

WE SHALL SOON BE DONE; AND THEN

vigne. I'll be Protestant, you Catholic; in other words, I'll be you, and you me."

"Bravo!" exclaimed Leonard, "I consent, with all my heart. Let me begin; mind you are Leonard Devigne, and you must answer exactly as Leonard Devigne would answer. Well, Mr. Devigne, will you consent to be mine?"

"Oh, you are wandering from the subject in discussion. You must keep to the point, of course. Let me begin. What scripture proofs have you for the doctrine of Indulgences?"

Oh, let me see. St. Paul's forgiveness of thethe Corinthian."

"Very good; any other?"

"Yes; it's implied in the pardon to Adam, which was accompanied by temporal pains."

"Very good; what else?"

"David, after his very mean transgression."

66

Very mean? Mr. Devigne, you didn't find those words in the book, did you?"

66

Oh, no; beg pardon; David was punished by the loss of his-his-"

"Child; very good. But how do you deduce the doctrine of Indulgences from these texts?"

"How? I! Oh, let me see. Ah, yes, that's it; why, something remains after the sin is forgiven; and that is what is remitted by an Indulgence.'

66

Very, very good indeed. How diligent you have been. We shall soon be done; and then

ર

Oh, then, adored of my heart! will it be then,

A DISGUSTING INTRUSION.

241

say you? Why not now? I'll subscribe to anything for you-anything to be with you, my all on earth!"

Nay, Mr. Devigne," exclaimed Helen, with an inner struggle; "your conversion must be from conviction, not from passion." You must chastise those ardours. Think of the sacredness of the human heart; which, after all, is due to God only. Its raptures should rise to heaven. Earth has nothing worthy of them. In its Creator alone should the heart find its centre. The love of cherubim and seraphim is to be its model. Its energies are spiritual; its fires immortal; and in the Eternal Spirit alone should it seek its bliss, its infinite consolations."

"Then transform me into yourself. Let my soul mingle with yours. Let me become part of that ineffable purity which you are; angel be you, and I but a feather in your wing; then fly with me to that heaven where I may love you as you wish, as you desire, as you describe."

"Oh!

The exclamation of her struggling heart was arrested by the sudden intrusion of Father Fraser. "Ah, Mr. Devigne, may I congratulate you on your late presentation?"

66

Decidedly. I was much gratified; thanks to your kindness."

"His Holiness pleased you?"

66

Excessively."

R

"You are not, then, disappointed by your experience of Catholicity?"

"Oh no; the more I see of it, the more I like it; my heart is open to conviction.”

"You mean your mind,' Mr. Devigne."

"Oh, both; I like your-your-your everything. It's so warm and cheering; so full of-of-I know not how to qualify it—I am delighted, ravished ; but, excuse me, my dear sir, I have an appointGood-morning, sir. Miss Brenton, good

ment.

morning."

The lady went to her room-to weep.

SHE MAY NOT TELL: SHE MUST SUBMIT. 243

CHAPTER V.

ᎢᎻᎬ ᎻᎬᎪᎡᎢ .

HELEN BRENTON retired to her room, and wept. She loves.

She loves intensely; but is withheld from the confession which would gladden her heart, in gladdening that of her lover.

She may not tell: she must submit.

Father Fraser has enjoined her silence in that matter, till he thinks it expedient to give his consent.

And why must she submit? She knows not why. Sometimes she resolves to break the command: but then, perhaps, her lover will not be converted."

But is she so devoted a Catholic as to make that a necessary condition? Perhaps not, if she loves intensely; and yet, perhaps, she will insist on that condition. Who can predict the feelings of woman? Who can do more than weigh them at each successive moment, asking the while, What next? What next?