perjured wretch, regardless alike
of his vow to God and of duty to the dead and living? I care not for
his enmity, but prefer it to his friendship, nor will I tamely permit
him to triumph in his villainy."

"Calm thyself, Master Arundel," said the knight; "truly I counselled
no such thing. My heart is with thee, and my hand at thy service in
this matter, for I esteem thee wronged, but neither violence of speech
nor precipitancy in action will avail to right thee. All means of
persuasion are not exhausted. Why not endeavor to interest Governor
Winthrop in thy behalf?"

"To what purpose? Suppose you he would take my word in opposition to
that of a fellow saint and magistrate?"

"Unjust! Master Arundel; degrade not the noble Winthrop, a pattern of
many Christian virtues, and some knightly qualities, by such
association. But to thy word would be superadded that of the young
lady. He must believe her."

"Nay, Sir Christopher, your eagle glance at once detects falsehood
wherewith it has no affinity, and you judge of others according to the
standard of your own nobleness, but I am persuaded the attempt would
be in vain. The case stands thus: there is really but witness against
witness, for what know I of what occurred at the death-bed of
Eveline's father, except what she herself has told me? Kind though may
be the heart of the Governor, and sound his judgment, the false
asseveration of the Assistant would outweigh the declaration of
Eveline; and, did it not, and were he ever so favorably disposed, no
court in this New Canaan, as they call it, would decide against one of
the congregation in favor of an orphan girl not protected by their
magic covenant, and whose hand is sought by an intruder into their
fold."

"I deny not the force of thine argument," replied the knight, "and yet
have I remarked an omnipotence in truth, that doth make me insist on
having recourse to Governor Winthrop. As is the God-like sun,
animating and vivifying all things, searching into dark recesses and
driving out bats and impure vermin by his intolerable presence, and
unveiling ugliness and hatefulness, so is Truth. Withersoever she
turns her shining mirror there Error may not abide, but like a
dastardly coward, flies from the glory. Believe, Master Arundel, that
He who is uncreated, Truth will magnify that wherein He delights."

"To pleasure thee, Sir Christopher, there is nothing which I would not
undertake, convinced though I am of its ineffi