Fabiola : or, The church of the catacombs - Digital Repository Services

un: m TI,
Ood'B goodness; and it is in truth very ungrateful of me, now I
am well to forget all the good resolutions I made when I
thought I was dying. I believe in the Catholic religion; but
thru there is the danger that people will find out lam a Catholic;
ami tho commissioner, has levied fines on all those above the
of sixteen who do not attend the Protestant church; now that
would fall heavy on a poor woman like ine.'
trine -poke long and earnestly with her aunt she unfolded,
with the natural eloquence of one speaking from the heart of
what it loves and feels, the immense bounties of God towards us,
and the ingratitude of our not serving Him then she pictured
the misery of a soul in the next world that has not loved its Cre-
ator in this; and lastly she showed how short and trifling the
pains and afilietions of this life are in comparison with the ever-
lasting j iy of heaven.
Words dictated by so ardent a love of God and zeal for the
salvation o souls could not fail to make an impression on the
mind of Dame Harnby she promised Catherine that if Lady
Margaret, would allow it she would go to the Manor and speak to
her ladyship and the priest; for there were many things about
which she wished to take advice from some one older and more
experienced than her niece.
It was with a light and happy heart that the young girl retired
to rest that night; Ruth and Maw were also delighted to hear of
their mother's intention; all three thanked God for His mercy
towards them, and prayed that He would further the good work
which was begun.
On the following feast of Pentecost, which fell that year in
June, there was great rejoicing m the old Manor-house, and
doubtless in heaven also there, was joy among the angels, for that
day the waters of baptism had regenerated four souls hitherto
plunged in ignorance, but now become children of the Catholic
Church.
The chapel on that day wore a festive air. The faithful
crowded its narrow precincts in greater numbers than usual. All
felt an intense interest in the converts; the brotherly charity
that, reigned among tbe congregation, the secrecy and caution
wilh which the sacred rites were administered, reminded one of
the first days of Christianity.
Before Mass began Dame Barnby and her three children advanced
towards the altar. Father Ralph with the assistants said
the '
Veni Creator '
and some other prayers, and the converts
having pronounced the profession of faith, received the sacrament,
of baptism.
Catherine had another cause for happiness besides the conver-
sion of her aunt, and cousins, although that was in itself suffi-
cient to pour gladness into her heart; she had long been preparing
to make her First Communion, and in a few minutes her
- were to be fulfilled.
As she went to the altar the congregation noticed the expression
of angelic peace on her features; they saw her devout and
rie. .Heeled manner as she returned to her place; but what
il in her young soul at that supreme moment none but Jesus
and the little communicant knew. There are feelings too deep
to find utterance; in human words; and emotions which it would
be vain to attempt ,o describe.
The happy party returned again in the afternoon to the Manor
to assist at prayers. As they approached the house, Lady Mar-
garet met and congratulated them, which, with true delicacy of
feeling, she had refrained from doing in the morning, we'd
knowing that souls impressed by the presence of their Creator,
and still absorbed in heavenly and solemn thoughts, are ever desirous
to be left in silence. What need have they of the words
of creatures, when (iod Himself speaks to their hearts?
Some days later Winifred Harnby had an interview with Dame,
lerman. in which _she announced that she could no longer
perform any of her accustomed services for them. She then. with
the hope of ch:iiii'in _>; (lie heart of the old woman, ventured to
remark that the way in which her sons gained (heir livelihood
was far from justifiable; that they were, in truth, answerable for
nil deaths in vessels of which they caused the wreck; but she
only drew on herself such a torrent of abuse, that she retired,
though resolving to pray for the conversion of those of whom
she had formerly been the accomplice.
Another year passed over; one of peace and happiness to Dame
Barnby and her family. By her own industry, and that of Catherine
and Ruth, they were enabled to live with more comfort
than they had hitherto done.
Winifred entertained great fears that her son, when he grew
up. wouid renew tnendship with the Caslermans, and become a
wrecker -ike Ins father, if he remained at Penzance. She con-
fided her anxiety to lady Margaret, and some time after, Sir
Reginald arranged with the captain of a Waterford ship, with
whom ho was acquainted, to take the lad into his service. The
captain was a Catholic, and as he was frequently the means of
conveying priests to Ireland, he was desirous that all his crew
should be Catholics likewise, for the treachery of one might
ruin all and he therefore willingly consented to take Maw. who
started on his new career, half sorrowful at leaving his mother
and sisters, the friends anil scenes of his childhood, yet rejoicing
at the prospect before him of a life on the sea full of adventure
and danger. Beneath all, there was a lingering hope that some
fortunate event would bring back the ship to Penzance before
long; but that was not its usual destination, and he feared that
many a year would elapse ere his mother once more clasped him
in her arms.
Long did the inmates of Dame Barnby's cottage stand on the
beach watching the vessel as it glided from the shore; and from
their sad hearts rose a fervent prayer for the safety of the sailorboy.
Often during that day of Maw's departure their eyes wandered
towards that dark speck on the ocean, each time more
distant, which carried on it one so dear to them.
CHAPTER IX.
FOR two years Father Ralph had exercised his religious functions
with comparative security to himself and those with whom
he lived, though from time to time disturbed by sudden visits
from the commissioner, which, however, to his great disappoint-
ment, always proved fruitless.
Stephen Casterman was no less discouraged than the commis-
sioner, for, with all his efforts, he altogether failed in discovering
whether priests were harbored at the Manor.
One day, on arriving at the Jew's, lie was not a little surprised
at seeing a man, whom he at once recognized as Andcw Hark-
wright, standing and conversing with Isaac.
'Very glad to see you, .Master Castennan,' said the latter.
'
O, you have some one with you,' muttered Stephen, who
stood at the door, half inclined to turn back.
and shut the door after
'No, no; come in, "cried the Jew, '
you; the wind doth blow the fire out.'
There was certainly not much fire in the hearth to be extinguished;
but Casterman did as he was desired.
'
Now,' said Isaac, pointing towards Harkwright, '
that man is
a servant at the Manor-house. He wants to borrow a little
money from me; but I never lend without security, and he has
"
none who will be security for him. Will ''. you
Casterman was about to answer '
No,' when the Jew, in a low
voice, said to him:
'Pause a bit, friend; it may be of use to you; all Papists in
tf,,it house.'
'
O, well, I would not mind being security for you,' said the
But are you a Papist? '
wrecker, turning to Harkwright.
'
The servant, too, had recognized Casterman. For a moment
he hesitated and stammered, and then ended by avowing his re-
ligion.
'
Tell me, now,' continued Casterman ;
'
does not your master
harbor priests?'
'
I cannot say; indeed, I cannot speak about that.'
'You must,' said Stephen firmly, as he placed himself against
the door.
Harkwright for a time remained silent, a violent war seeming
'
'
to rage within his breast. Shall I betray my mastery at length