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

252 THE SIX SISTERS OF THE VALLEYS.
anxious to spare my feelings, has enjoined
an easy penance, and, instead of licking the
sign of the Cross from one end of these
flags to the other, as he first intended, he
has now ordered you to turn the handle of
yon rack to prove the sincerity of your
penitence and your willingness to do the
commands of our holy mother Church."
Echard replied not; he was over-
whelmed with a dreary foreboding that the
gloomy visions of his dungeon were about
to be accomplished. His generous heart,
which had always recoiled from persecution
in the name of religion, shrank with horror
from the thought of being a personal execu-
tioner ;
he would sooner suffer himself than
do violence to his holier feelings, which
had been strengthened by the glimpses of
truth which he had lately gained.
"My Lord," replied Echard, " I have
risked my life in battle in obedience to
orders, but I must refuse to perform such
an inhuman act."