. "This false step led to consequences you never dreamed
of; for one of your romantic notions is, that a priest is an angel. I
have known you, in former times, try to take me for an angel: then would
I throw cold water on your folly by calling lustily for chines of beef
and mugs of ale. But I suppose Leonard thought himself an angel too; and
the upshot was, he fell in love with his neighbor's wife."

"And she with him," groaned Griffith.

"Not so," said Francis; "but perhaps she was nearer it than she thinks."

"Prove that," said Mrs. Gaunt, "and I'll fall on my knees to him before
you."

Francis smiled, and proceeded. "To be sure, from the moment you
discovered Leonard was in love with you, you drew back, and conducted
yourself with prudence and propriety. Read these letters, sir, and tell
me what you think of them."

He handed them to Griffith. Griffith's hand trembled visibly as he took
them.

"Stay," said Father Francis; "your better way will be to read the whole
correspondence according to the dates. Begin with this of Mrs. Gaunt's."

Griffith read the letter in an audible whisper.

Mrs. Gaunt listened with all her ears.

"DEAR FATHER AND FRIEND,--The words you spoke to me to-day
admit but one meaning; you are jealous of my husband.

"Then you must be--how can I write it?--almost in love with me.

"So then my poor husband was wiser than I. He saw a rival in
you: and he has one.

"I am deeply, deeply shocked. I ought to be very angry too;
but, thinking of your solitary condition, and all the good you
have done to my soul, my heart has no place for aught but pity.
Only, as I am in my senses, and you are not, you must now obey
me, as heretofore I have obeyed you. You must seek another
sphere of duty, without delay.

"These seem harsh words from me to you. You will live to see
they are kind ones.

"Write me one line, and no more, to say you will be ruled by me
in this.

"God and the saints have you in their holy keeping. So prays
your affectionate and

"Sorrowful daughter and true friend,

"CATHARINE GAUNT."

"Poor soul!" said Griffith. "Said I not that women are not wicked, but
weak? Who would think that after this he could get the better of her
good resolves,--the villain!"

"Now read his reply," said Father Francis.

"Ay," said Griffith. "So this is his one word of reply, is it? thr