The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE MAETYRDOM. 125
cino, with a sneer. "Play with Dominic's
rattle to keep old women qniet. Yonr
rosary, at least, was born of original sin."
" Perhaps you teach that Anna, the
mother of Mary, was immaculate ; and in
that case you boast a chain of immaculates
up to Eve, of which you are the last
specimen. How much pocket-money do
you make a year by keeping the accounts
of your kidnapping institution ?"
" Come, ye are brothers," interposed De
la Mena, "let not the heat of the schools
interrupt our work of faith and labours of
love. I must bid you chant together the
verse appointed for Laudes, on Quinqua-
gesima, which you had not long ago."
"Daughter," continued De la Mena, ad-
dressing the writhing form, " daughter, it
grieves myheart to see you thus. The Church
mourns to have recourse to such measures
to win back your faith. Kiss this crucifix,
daughter, and I will yet give you plenary
absolution for this world and the next."