“I grieve to hear that so excellent a Princess has endured so much,” replied Father de Castro; “but it was the consciousness that truth and justice were on her side, and not my poor production, that sustained her during her trials. Yet I must rejoice that I have been able to pour balm into her soul. However, her sorrows are now over, and she will reap the reward of her long suffering and patience. Heaven’s blessing will descend upon her head and upon her people. She will be happy in her marriage, and from her loins princes shall spring, who shall govern this realm wisely and well, and maintain it in the true faith.” “Heaven grant it may be so!” exclaimed the abbess, fervently. “As the old religion has been restored by the Queen, her most earnest desire is that it should be so firmly established that no fears need be entertained of a relapse into schism.” “Having read my treatise on the Punishment of Heretics, holy mother, you know the measures I recommend,” replied Father de Castro. “To prevent the further spreading of this pestilence, it must be thoroughly rooted out.” “That will be a work of much time and difficulty, Father,” replied the abbess, with a sigh. “But I do not despair of its full accomplishment.” “An Auto-da-Fé, such as we have in Spain, of frequent occurrence, would soon sweep off the tainted,” observed the Bishop of Cuença. “I trust to see the Holy Inquisition established in this country.” “That can never be, my lord,” replied the abbess. “Wherefore not, good sister?” demanded the bishop. “Because Englishmen would never submit to it,” rejoined the abbess. “Such an attempt would cause a rebellion which nothing could put down. On this point, Romanists and Protestants would unite. The throne would not be secure, and in the confusion heresy might again become triumphant. Heaven avert such a contingency! But there is nothing to apprehend. The Queen will never yield to such counsels.” “You appear to be in Her Majesty’s confidence, holy mother,” observed the bishop, drily. “I am so far in her confidence, my lord,” replied the abbess, “that I know her to be decidedly adverse to the Inquisition, and that she will never authorise its introduction in her kingdom.” “Possibly the Prince her husband may incline her to different views,” remarked the bishop. “No, my lord,” replied the abbess; “the Queen is not accustomed to change her mind, and will never act contrary to her judgment.” The bishop looked surprised at the vivacity of the abbess, but Philip hastened to interpose, and said, “The lady abbess is right, my lord. I shall never seek to influence her Majesty’s opinions in aught that concerns her kingdom. That I have sworn—and by my oath I shall abide.” “Unless his Holiness shall grant you absolution,” muttered the bishop.