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

316 THE SIX .SISTERS OF THE VALLEYS.
" He was never a son of mine ; you
could tell that by his acts, which betray his
breed. The Marchioness, having no chil-
dren of her own, adopted and educated him
and in furtherance of her wishes, I have
given him every advantage, and all these
honourable posts in the work of suppress-
ing heresy, and this is my requital. But
past benefits must be the gauge of his
sufferings. Is that not a moral axiom you
sometimes illustrate in your preaching ?"
" Where is the apostate now ?" inquired
the Archbishop.
" Safe in one of the lower dungeons,
with a sentry at the door. As soon as we
have done our work to-morrow in gross, I
shall consider him in detail, with any other
culprits."
"Well, see that he receives absolution,
Marquis ; let not your wrath pursue him
beyond the grave."
" You know," replied the Marquis,
speaking gravely, " what our poet says, and
;