seek to recover it elsewhere. I cannot blind my eyes to the fact
that, in the high position now offered to her, my daughter will be able
to do a great work--for the Church."

"I believed that you had no sympathy with the intrusion of women into
the domain of politics."

"Not into politics, no; but the Church is different. We have in our
Saints' Calendar women--queens some of them--who were ready to lay down
their lives for the Church, and to secure her recognition by heathen
peoples and kings. Why should not my daughter be one?"

He spoke with an exalted air, his hand resting upon his cross.

"Your Grace," said the Prime Minister in a changed tone, "may I put one
very crucial question? Have you a complete influence over your
daughter?"

"That I can hardly answer; I will only say that she is dutiful. Never,
so far as I am aware, has she questioned my authority, nor has she
combated my judgment in any matter where it was my duty to decide for
her what was right."

On this showing she seemed a very estimable and trustworthy young
person; and with a sense of encouragement the Prime Minister went on--

"Then upon this question of her marriage with the Prince, would she, do
you think, be guided by you?"

"She would not marry him without my consent."

"And your consent might be forthcoming?"

"Under certain circumstances, I think--yes."

"And as the circumstances stand now at this moment?"

The Archbishop paused, and looked long at the Prime Minister before
answering.

"How do they stand?" he inquired.

II

That evening when Jenifer returned home the Archbishop was waiting her
arrival. The door of his private library stood ajar. "Come in, my dear,"
he called, hearing her step in the corridor, "come in; I wish to speak
to you."

She entered with a flushed face. "_I_ wanted to speak to you, father,"
she said.

He saw that she was come charged for the delivery of her soul, and
perceiving what a strategic advantage it would give him to hear the
story first from her own lips, he waived his prior claim. "Very well, my
dear," he replied, "for the next hour I am free, and at your disposal."

"It may take longer than that," she warned him; "I have something to
tell you that seems to me almost terrible."

"Anything wrong?"

"Oh, no, but so tremendous I hardly know how to begin." Her breast
labored with the burden of its message, but in her face was a look of
dawn.

"Has it to do with yourself?"

"Yes, pa