th triumphant looks wending their way towards it. Some of
the Protestants, influenced by curiosity, went in, and, on their return,
reported that they had seen the two priests clad in their sacerdotal
dresses, standing before a richly adorned altar, with a crucifix over
it, and the figure of the Virgin and Child, with those of several saints
placed in chapels on either side. Mass, with all its accompaniments,
was being performed, while the governor himself was taking part in the
ceremony. The Count de Tourville, and several other leading
Protestants, called on him afterwards to express their astonishment and
regret at what had happened. He received them with a haughty air, and
declared that it was his intention, for the good of the colony, to
encourage both forms of worship equally.

The count expostulated. "The colony," he observed, "had been
established for the express purpose of affording a home to Protestants,
where they could, regarding religious matters, avoid those dissensions
which had sprung up in the old country."

"You may still worship as you think fit; but others, who discover that
they have erred in quitting the Catholic Church, have a right to enjoy
the form which suits them best. I, as governor of this colony, am bound
to please all parties, and I desire to hear no more complaints on the
subject," he answered.

The deputation, being thus dismissed, retired to consult what steps
should be taken. Though the Protestants still outnumbered the
Romanists, the whole of the former could not be relied on, while the
latter formed a compact body, most of them being thoroughly drilled by
the priests, who had done their utmost to excite their fanaticism, while
it was evident that they were supported by the governor. The
Protestants, therefore, arrived at the conclusion, as people often do
under similar circumstances, that nothing could be done, and that they
must wait the course of events. The two priests appeared to be quiet,
well-disposed men; they made no outward show, but were observed to be
going about quietly, from house to house, especially among the soldiers;
and every Sunday saw an increase in their congregation.

The count watched these proceedings with feelings of dismay. Monsieur
Laporte exerted himself among his congregation, and urged them to study
their Bibles, and to seek to live lives consistent with their Christian
profession. Many listened to him and followed his advice; but there
wer