or Vespers
sound, never will the clouds of incense mount upward--streaming past
the Host without their names being within the hearts and on the
tongues of the worshipers. Think how greatly we be blessed," he
continued, laying his hand fondly upon the other's shoulder;--"a few,
a happy few, who have been thus elected to raise the cross of Christ
from out the dust. Nay," he added, shaking his head, "I would not wish
our danger one jot or tittle less, for, methinks, some portion of the
glory which is now our own might depart with it, and I could illy
bear the loss of even one small gem which must rest in the immortal
crown of our recompense."

"Then thou dost feel our victory is assured," said Winter, in a
constrained voice, looking anxiously toward Garnet.

"Nay, I do not feel--I am certain," replied the prelate, decisively.
"And now there rests with us the duty of forming our plans, making
everything ready to strike the mighty blow. What hast thou to offer or
suggest?"

"Good father, I would not take upon myself to offer a suggestion,"
said Winter; "but methinks it would be well that we all assemble and
discuss the matter more fully."

"And where shall the gathering be held?--at the house of Master
Fawkes?"

"Not so," replied the other, so abruptly that the priest turned upon
him an enquiring glance. "I mean," continued Winter, noting the look,
"'twould be unwise for us to be seen again meeting in that place; it
might arouse curiosity, and that might be fatal."

"Then what wouldst thou say to my Lord Catesby's?"

"Nay, for I deem the same objection doth apply to his dwelling. I
would suggest we gather at the house of Sir Everard Digby. Will't suit
thee, father?"

"I think thy caution most commendable, and thy proposition the best.
And when shall the meeting be?"

"Say a week hence," replied Winter. "In the meantime I will see Sir
Everard, and make the necessary arrangements. But what of thee till
then?"

"Disturb not thyself, my son, concerning me," replied the prelate; "I
will content myself, and be right comfortable in the care of thy
friend the host. Dost think he hath suspicions?"

"Nay," replied the other. "In truth, if his suspicions were aroused,
he would be silent; such poor taste hath he, that love for me would
make him dumb, and with it is the fact that the man is a zealous
Catholic; methinks if his help could be safely won he would be most
valuable to us. Shouldst thou find a fitting opportuni