interference
until the party was again on the road.

The friar watched their motions with interest; and when, after
crossing the valley and ascending the hill before them, Lady Mabel
turned to take a last look at the ruinous old venda, she saw him still
standing like a statue in the archway, doubtless with eye and thought
following their steps.

"I am afraid," said L'Isle, "that our young gownsman will have to
undergo a ruinous conflict in the struggle between his nature and his
fate. His is the worst possible condition for a man of vigorous
character and inquiring mind. He has not arrived at his convictions,
but had prematurely thrust upon him the convictions he is professedly
bound to hold."

"And you have helped him into the conflict," said Lady Mabel, "without
staying to see him through it."

"I trust not. But, anyhow, it would have come. Were he a monk even,
seclusion and devotion might protect, study might withdraw him from
many temptations. Were he a secular priest, the active and definite
duties of a parish, fulfilling and inculcating the obligations of
Christian morals, which are the same in every church, might have
tasked his energies. But, to be all his life a wandering beggar, in
the name of God and St. Francis! If enthusiasts are to be pitied, how
much more those who, without being, are compelled to lead the life of
enthusiasts! Is it wonderful that many of these men are apostles only
of ignorance and profligacy?"

"But this young man has a mind too active and enquiring for contented
ignorance," said Lady Mabel. "From his very nature he must go on
adding fact to fact, and thought to thought."

"Until he has built up a system of his own," answered L'Isle. "And, a
hundred chances to one, that will not coincide with the teachings of
St. Francis and of Rome. What must he do, then? He, a professed
Franciscan, has lost his faith in St. Francis, in Rome, perhaps in
Christ!--known to him only through Rome. Must he persevere? or shall
he abjure? Between hypocrisy and martyrdom, he now must choose. Think
not, because the fires of the _auto da fe_ are extinct, a churchman
here can safely abjure his profession and his faith. A man may live a
life of martyrdom, although he escape a martyr's death."

They had ridden on some miles, and new scenes had suggested other
topics, when they heard a shout behind them, and, looking round, saw
the old man of the _Venda_ displaying unwonted energy. He was
vigorously pummel