"Come, Florry, you must not stay out so late; I am afraid you will take cold!" Florence rose mechanically and accompanied her. "Oh, Florry, do try and trust in God, and believe that in every trial and affliction he will comfort and assist us." Her cousin sighed heavily, but made no reply. As they reached the gate it was quickly opened, and the Padre met them: he bowed coldly to Mary, but shook hands with Florence, and promised to come again the ensuing day. It was so late that Mary could not distinguish his features; but just as he turned to go, Aunt Fanny threw open the kitchen door, and the light streamed full on his face; their eyes met, and she started at the smile of triumph that irradiated his dark countenance: he bowed, and passed on. Mary hastened down the walk, and entered the sick room, fearing she scarcely knew what. The invalid Was tossing restlessly from side to side, and on the pillow lay a rosary and crucifix. For an instant she stood motionless; then sprang forward, and clasped his burning hand in hers. "Uncle! dear uncle! tell me who has been with you! Aunt Lizzy promised she would not leave you till we came back You have been excited: your hands are burning with fever!" "I was not alone, Mary; the Padre sat and talked with me;" as the sufferer spoke, he shuddered and closed his eyes. "And did he leave these here!" said she, taking up the crucifix and rosary. "No, no! they are mine!" and he snatched them from her. Mary turned pale, and leaned against the bed for support. Florence, now bending over her father, motioned to her cousin to be silent; without effect, however; for, passing round the bed, she knelt beside him. "Uncle, was it by your desire that the Padre came here this evening?" He did not seem to hear her question; she repeated it. "Yes; that is, this is not his first visit." "Uncle, why do you evade me? Tell me, I entreat you, if he did not force himself here in my absence!" "Mary, will you drive my father delirious with your interference with his wishes?" "No, Florry, not when I am convinced that such are his wishes. I know that in health he is no more a Papist than you or I; yet, now I see him clinging to that rosary and crucifix, what am I to think? If you can explain this mystery, do so, Florry." "The day that you were at Mrs. Carlton's, learning to make that custard my father likes so well, the Padre came, and kindly sat with him some time. He came the next night, and the next; and read and prayed with him. I hope you are satisfied now that there is no intrusion." All this was whispered so low as not to reach the ears of the invalid. "Were you present at any of these interviews, Florry?" "No; they always preferred being alone," "Oh! why did you not tell me this before?"