elessly
moving the curtains, from the outer chamber, he was muttering to
himself, and I strained my hearing to catch the meaning of his words.

"To-night must end it!" I heard him say. "She herself shall decide.
Greater men have travelled the path before me! As for him, my pity
has grown faint! It is the will of the Church! I myself am but the
instrument. He stands between the Church and her rights! Between me
and--her!"

His cheeks flushed, and his expression suddenly changed. He whispered
a name! It was mine! His eyes were soft, and his lips were parted. The
priest had vanished. His face was human and manly. I saw it, but my
heart was as cold as steel.

"Father Adrian," I said quietly, "I am here."

He started, and looked towards me. If my heart could have been
softened even to pity, it would have been softened by that look. But
a woman's great selfishness was upon me! The man I loved was in some
sort of danger at his hands. There was no room in my heart for any
other thought. I was adamant.

He was silent for a moment, then he faced me steadily, and spoke. "So
you have learned to love this Englishman, this De Vaux, the son of old
Martin de Vaux! Answer me simply, Yes or No!"

"I have!"

I did not hesitate. What need was there for hesitation? I answered him
defiantly, and without faltering.

"You will never marry him! You will not even become his mistress!"

I made no answer at first; I laughed! that was all.

"Who will prevent me?"

"I shall!"

"How?"

"The means are ready to my hand!"

My heart sank, but I forced a smile. "What are they?"

He considered a moment. "I can strip Paul de Vaux of every acre
and every penny he possesses! I can break his mother's heart! I can
proclaim his father a murderer!"

"I do not understand! I do not believe!"

The words left me boldly enough, but there was a lump in my throat,
and my heart was sick.

"Listen!" He drew a small gold crucifix from his breast, and solemnly
kissed it. Then, holding it in his hand, he repeated,--

"I can beggar Paul de Vaux by my proven word. I can take from him
everything precious in life! I can take from him his name and his
honours! I can break his mother's heart! I can proclaim his father a
murderer! All this I can and will do, save you listen to me!"

He kissed the crucifix, and replaced it in his inner pocket. I had
begun to tremble. The stamp of truth was upon his words. Still I tried
to face him boldly.

"Even if this