rule to meetings of the congregation, and would consider it an
invasion of his Christian liberty to be denied the sight of beauty
elsewhere, to compensate his self-denial."

"Madam," said Winthrop, "it pains me and every member of the Council
that we meet under these circumstances. Let me trust that you will be
able to dispel certain suspicions, and that the frankness of your
answers to the questions to be propounded will lighten for you and
make less onerous for us the sad duty we are performing."

The lady said something in reply, but either on account of the the low
tone in which she spoke, or of the interposition of the veil, the
words were inaudible.

"I hear not what she says," cried Dudley. "Let her throw back her
veil. Master Endicott," he added, turning to the Ex-Governor of Salem,
"here hast thou evidence that thy rule is not of universal
application."

Endicott turned his steady eyes upon the Deputy, and began to caress
his chin beard with his hand, but, before he could speak, Winthrop's
voice was heard.

"Do us the favor, madam," he said, "to remove the covering from your
face."

"Allow me," said the lady, with a voice which trembled a little, "to
keep hid a face which ye would cover with shame."

"Think not so evil of us," answered Winthrop. "Nought would more glad
our hearts than your innocence."

He waited an instant, as if to see whether she would comply with his
request, and, upon her failing to do so, added, "for myself, I will
not press what I see is unpleasant."

But this concession appeared not to meet with general approval.
Murmurs circulated about the table, and presently Dudley spoke.

"It is contrary to the custom of every civilized court," he said, "to
permit a witness or an accused person to conceal his features. The
reason thereof is too patent to need explication."

"We do entreat you, madam," said Sir Richard, "to pleasure us thus
far, and to believe that no want of consideration is designed."

Again a pause followed, which was broken by the impatient Dudley.

"It were painful," he said, looking sternly at the lady, "to use
force."

"It shall not need," she replied, with a tremulous voice, which,
however, acquired steadiness as she proceeded. "I am in your power,
and will obey your commands."

So saying, without raising her eyes, she withdrew the veil, and
exposed her pale face to view. It was seen for the first time by most
of the Assistants, and it was obvious, from t