found in so bare and desolate a region. At length
they were cheered by the sight of a few pines of stunted growth, and
seating themselves in the shade, prepared to dine, while the servants
went in search of water, which proved scarce drinkable when
brought. The sweet-smelling thyme, which abounded in this spot, now
bruised under the horses' hoofs, gave a refreshing fragrance to the
air, and they rested the longer, as Mrs. Shortridge seemed worn out
with the heat. Lady Mabel seized the occasion to add some new plants
to her _hortus siccus_, which, now swollen to a portentous bulk,
occupied the highest place in the load of one of the mules. As she
wandered from one cluster of plants to another, her voice rose into a
tuneful strain. L'Isle followed her with eye and ear, as imprisoned
Palamon did Emilie, while

"She gathered flowers, partly white and red,
To make a subtle garland for her head,
And as an angel, heaven-like she sang."

But she presently returned to her seat, and to her favorite diversion
of exciting Moodie's controversial spirit, by asking him if there was
not something exceedingly impressive in the external religion of the
people they were among?

The term she used was enough to rouse him; but, checking himself, he
sneeringly said, "I think these mummeries are well contrived for their
purpose, to amuse a childish people, and keep them in a state of
childhood."

"And why should they not be amused?" said Lady Mabel, "since you will
view it in that light? The church, their nursing-mother, takes charge
of them, body and soul, and strives to make religion part and parcel
of the occupations of every hour of every day life. By spectacles,
processions, pictures, music, by the lonely way-side cross, by the
crucifix hidden in the bosom, by the neighboring convent bell, chiming
the hour of prayer, the Romanist is reminded forty times a day that he
does not live for this life alone. Does he seek amusement from books?
she takes out of his hands the lewd tale or lying romance, and puts
into it the more wonderful legend of a saint or a martyr. Does any son
of the church neglect the practice of charity? she sends him an humble
penniless friar to remind him of that duty. Does he strive to forget
his sins? she startles his slumbering conscience by duly summoning him
to the confessional. The youths and maidens, taking an evening walk,
led by early habit, stroll toward some neighboring chapel, and suspend
their th