“Nay Father, be not angry with me,” said Osbert. “You will pardon me, I am sure, when you know my motive. My object is to caution the damsel, and this is the only opportunity I may have of doing so.” “Methinks I know the damsel you allude to, my son,” returned Father Jerome. “Mistress Constance Tyrrell, is it not? She was here yesterday, and after performing her devotions, poured forth the secrets of her heart to me, and besought my counsel.” “You are aware, then, of the perilous position in which she is placed, and of the necessity of extricating her from it without delay?” “I know she is beloved by some exalted personage, and that she is full of apprehension——” “Well may she be so, holy Father,” said Osbert. “I dare not tell you by whom she is beloved. Suffice it, that her position at court is fraught with peril. But it shall be my business to guard her.” “You love her, then, my son?” observed Father Jerome. “Passionately,” replied Osbert. “But I have not yet ventured to tell her of my love.” “You are encouraging a hopeless passion, my son, and I beseech you to check it while you can. But what tidings do you bring of the Prince of Spain? When comes he from Southampton?” “This very day,” returned Osbert. “I am to form part of the train which will escort his Highness hither. We shall set forth at noon, at which hour the Prince, with a large cavalcade, will leave Southampton, so we shall meet him midway.” “I am told he is a well-favoured Prince, but haughty and reserved of manner,” remarked Father Jerome. “I have not found him so,” replied Osbert. “To me he has been singularly condescending, and, indeed, he is gracious to all.” “I am right glad to hear it. That speaks well for him. Long and earnestly have I prayed that our good Queen’s union may be happy. Much does our holy Church owe her. Look down upon that city, my son. Regard those monasteries, convents, and hospitals. They have all been restored by her. Once more within yon noble cathedral mass is celebrated, and all the rites of the Romish Church performed. To Queen Mary we owe this blessed change. By her Saint Croix has likewise been restored, and it is to her benign influence that this little chapel has been again opened for worship—that the reliques of the saints have been brought back to it—and that I, myself, am enabled to officiate within it. By Queen Mary heresy and schism have been overthrown, and our holy Church delivered from bondage. May Heaven long preserve her! She is our hope and strength—our pillar and defence.” “I cry ‘Amen’ to that prayer with all my heart,” said Osbert. “Heaven grant the Prince may prove a good husband to her!” “You speak as if you doubted it, my son,” rejoined Father Jerome. “But I cannot tarry for further converse. I must leave you now. The hour for matins is at hand. After prayers, if you have aught further to say to me, I shall be at your service.”