n; yet I find no comfort. No joy has stolen to my heart, as
you promised it inevitably would."

"My daughter, if peace has not descended on thy spirit, I fear you
have not been devout. Tell me truly if you have not doubted in matters
of faith, for our most holy Mother ever grants the prayers of her
faithful and loving children?"

"I have searched the Bible, and I nowhere find authority for invoking
saints or the Virgin."

"I can convince you, without doubt, that there is such authority--nay,
command."

"'Tis useless, you may save yourself the trouble; for my mind is
clearly made up that we have not even the sanction of the Fathers."

"Holy Mary, pardon her unbelief, and send down light into her darkened
soul!"

Florence fixed her eyes full upon him, and replied--"Christ expressly
declares 'I am the light, I am the life.'"

"Daughter, your heretic cousin has done you a great injury. May God
protect you, and forgive her blasphemy."

"She needs no forgiveness, for she is pure in heart before God, and
truthful in all things."

The swarthy cheek of the Italian flushed--"Florence, you and your aunt
must come and stay at my house till it is safe here; and, I doubt not
when you are at leisure to hear me, you will duly repent your hasty
speeches. I shall pray God and our Lady to give you a more trusting,
believing heart, and intercede with the blessed saints for your entire
conversion."

"Not so, Father Mazzolin; we shall leave this place in a very few
days, and I have come to bid adieu to the grave of my father: leave
me, for I wish to be alone and in peace."

"Do you doubt my will or ability to protect you, my daughter? Beneath
my roof no danger can assail."

"We have fully decided to go from here, and further reasoning or
entreaty would be vain; accept, however, my thanks for your proffered
kindness."

"Girl, you have gone too far! Hear me while I am placable, for I tell
you now, without my consent, you cannot--shall not leave here."

"You have neither right nor power to detain me."

"Have I not? I swear, if you do not hear and abide by what I say,
your father's soul will remain forever in purgatory, where it justly
belongs."

"How dare you make so miserable a threat?" said the calm, clear voice
of Mary, who had approached unobserved.

"Cursed believer in a cursed creed, what do you here? Begone, or dread
the vengeance I shall surely inflict on so blasphemous and damnable a
heretic!"

Winding her arm