founded by the sainted Anno, but was withheld by a fear of my own
weakness; I resolved to seek the cloister and forget the garb and
customs of the world, but I feared that I might thus confirm my father
in his indifference to religion and my brother in his antipathy to the
house of Hers. The months kept gliding by, and still I was irresolute. I
have prayed, with all the ardor I could command, for light to see my
vocation; and if God have mercifully granted it, I wilfully remain
blind. This self-made uncertainty and irresolution cost me many a pang;
nor have I even the merit of patiently and cheerfully enduring what they
inflict."

Margaret was violently agitated as she spoke, but was not entirely
subdued by her excited heart, though more than one big tear went down
her cheeks.

"Margaret!" said her venerable companion, stopping short and speaking so
impressively that the maiden looked up through her tears.

"Margaret!" he repeated, as their eyes met, "you have done much to
soften your father's anger and your brother's impetuosity, and your
mediation has perhaps endeared you to heaven--but you can do _more_!
Devote your life to the extinction of the feud between the houses of
Stramen and Hers--look to the duty that stares you in the face, and
fulfil that vocation before you seek another! Make peace between these
houses the first object of your prayers, and the aim of all your
efforts, and God will soon determine whether the cloister or the castle
requires your presence in the accomplishment of your noble end!"

As Father Omehr concluded, the Lady Margaret, yielding to the impulse
she had till then controlled, wept like a child. Yet it was not deeper
dejection that made her sob as though her heart would break, but rather
a sense of relief, and a sweet consolation that banished all spiritual
dryness. Her instructor had often before suggested her obligation to
consecrate herself to the task of healing the feud; but never had he so
solemnly warned her, and never had she seen her duty so clearly.

"Be calm, my child," continued the missionary; "you can compose yourself
in the church, while I prepare for the service. Prostrate yourself
before the infinite majesty and goodness of God, and invoke His
assistance, with a determination to accept with resignation whatever
trial He may send. And forget not to supplicate the intercession of the
Blessed Mary. Open your heart to her; beg her to discover and obtain its
pious wants.