"I will speak of that in a moment," he went on, looking steadily at the table-cloth; "but there was a word I wished to say first. I am now a loyal subject of her Grace in all things; in religion as in all else. And--and I fear I cannot continue to entertain seminary priests as my father used to do. My--my conscience will not allow that. But of course, mother, I need not say that you are at perfect liberty to do what you will in the cloister-wing; I shall ask no questions; and I shall set no traps or spies. But I must ask that the priests do not come into this part of the house, nor walk in the garden. Fortunately you have a lawn in the cloister; so that they need not lack fresh air or exercise." "You need not fear, Hubert," said his mother, "I will not embarrass you. You shall be in no danger." "I think you need not have said that, mother; I am not usually thought a coward." Lady Maxwell flushed a little, and began to finger her silver knife. "However," Hubert went on, "I thought it best to say that. The chapel, you see, is in that wing; and you have that lawn; and--and I do not think I am treating you hardly." "And is your brother James not to come?" asked his mother. "I have thought much over that," said Hubert; "and although it is hard to say it, I think he had better not come to my part of the house--at least not when I am here; I must know nothing of it. You must do what you think well when I am away, about him and others too. It is very difficult for me, mother; please do not add to the difficulty." "You need not fear," said Lady Maxwell steadily; "you shall not be troubled with any Catholics besides ourselves." "Then that is arranged," said the lad. "And now there is a word more. What have you been doing to Isabel?" And he looked sharply across the table. His mother's eyes met his fearlessly. "I do not understand you," she said. "Mother, you must know what I mean. You have seen her continually." "I have told you, my son, that I do not know." "Why," burst out Hubert, "she is half a Catholic." "Thank God," said his mother. "Ah! yes; you thank God, I know; but whom am I to thank for it?" "I would that you could thank Him too." Hubert made a sharp sound of disgust. "Ah! yes," he said scornfully, "I knew it; _Non nobis Domine_, and the rest." "Hubert," said Lady Maxwell, "I do not think you mean to insult me in this house; but either that is an insult, or else I misunderstood you wholly, and must ask your pardon for it." "Well," he said, in a harsh voice, "I will make myself plain. I believe that it is through the influence of you and Aunt Margaret that this has been brought about." At the moment he spoke the door opened. "Come in, Margaret," said her sister, "this concerns you." The old nun came across to Hubert with her anxious sweet face; and put her old hand tenderly on his black satin sleeve as he sat and wrenched at a nut between his fingers. "Hubert, dear boy," she said, "what is all this? Will you tell me?"