ir
arrival in the country, and for some time thereafter, to show to each
other their letters--a custom from which the Knight had never
departed, but which, of late, had been observed with less
scrupulousness by the lady; and he noticed now, that, instead of
handing the epistle to him, as formerly, she hid it in her bosom.
Something, indeed, she said about its being from her confessor, but
the explanation, though natural, did not satisfy. He made no remark,
however, but proceeded to give an account of what had befallen him and
his companion. He told her how, by an arrangement with Mesandowit,
(who had been sent by the Taranteens to inquire of him whether their
second, viz., their hostile embassy, would be in danger from the
English, and which, in consequence of Sir Christopher's assurances,
had been ventured upon,) they had been taken prisoners--of the
conversation which passed between himself and Father Le Vieux, and of
the means resorted to, in order to remove Arundel from the Indian
village. The lady listened with a pleased ear to the recital, and, at
its conclusion, expressed her gratification at the dexterity with
which the business had been managed, and the success which had crowned
it.

"The holy saints and angels have watched over you, to guard you in
your ways," she said, "and it proves the Divine approbation."

"Truly, Celestina, is such a belief necessary, else would the things I
am called sometimes to do, break me down with their oppressive weight.
Only by its means can I satisfy myself, when the commands of my
superiors seem to conflict with mine honor."

"Honor!" exclaimed sister Celestina--"what is it but a delusive
phantom, whereby ye men are frighted from the noblest undertakings?
What right has such a consideration to interfere, when you are called
upon to act by them who are set over you, and whom you are bound to
obey? It is a deadly sin to dream that they may err, and granting that
they do, on them and not on you rests the responsibility."

"True; yet speak not slightingly of a feeling which is ever the parent
of glorious deeds. Was it not inspired by honor, that the Roman
Regulus returned to certain torture and death? that the chivalrous
King of Israel, when fainting with thirst, poured out to the Lord the
water for which his soul longed? that gallant hearts innumerable have
crimsoned the battle-field with their hearts blood, rather than that
even a suspicion should soil their escutcheon?"

"