hey had little time for conversation before the servant
announced that supper was ready, when two other persons were seen
crossing the hall in the direction of the supper-room.

"Some friends I told you that you might possibly meet," observed the
Squire to Jack, as they took their seats at the table.

From the dress of the strangers, Jack at once came to the conclusion
that they were ecclesiastics or ministers of some denomination. When he
glanced at the countenance of the man opposite to him, he had little
doubt that he at least was a priest of the Church of Rome. The person
had a somewhat pale face and hollow cheeks, with bright intelligent
eyes, and thin, undemonstrative lips. His was one of those countenances
formed rather to conceal than express the thoughts of the mind. The
first words uttered by the other man, who sat by his side, made Jack
turn round to examine his features, for in the tones of his voice he
recognised those of the Reverend Simon Stirthesoul. He looked at him
again and again. The form of the features was the same, but their
expression was now very different. Once Jack caught him eyeing him, as
he was bending down over his plate, and he felt sure, by the cunning
expression of the man's face, that he was not mistaken. Still Master
Simon gave no other sign of recognition. His dress, though different
from that which he had before worn, did not stamp him positively as a
priest of Rome, though its cut and colour were such as were generally
worn by clericals in those days. Each time the man spoke Jack was more
and more convinced that he was Master Simon Stirthesoul. At the same
time, so earnest was his application to the viands placed before him,
that he did not indulge himself much in entering into conversation.
That was chiefly kept up by Alethea and Jack's opposite neighbour, who
devoted himself to her. His conversation indeed was agreeable, for he
had visited many countries, and had shrewd remarks to make on all he had
seen. Jack at length heard him describing Rome, and picturing the
glories of the Eternal City.

"Ah, Miss Harwood," he exclaimed, "there we have the blessing of pure
religion, sanctioned by the authority of the ancient Fathers, by the
great Apostle Peter, and by Councils, and by the infallible head of the
Church--the Pope himself! What a blessing to have no dissent, no
difference of opinion; all united in one brotherhood, under one loving
father, and to be relieved of