ir illegitimate
offspring in the agony of their trouble and shame, there were, in
my experience, almost always to be found very strong reasons for
commutation, even to very limited periods of imprisonment.

CHAPTER LI.

CARDINAL MANNING--"OUR CHAPEL."

Cardinal Manning was a real friend to me, and I often spent an hour
with him on a Sunday morning or afternoon discussing general topics.
At my request, when I had no thought of being converted to his Church,
he marked in a book of prayers which he gave me several of his own
selections, which I have carefully preserved; but I can truly say he
never uttered one word, or made the least attempt, to proselytize me.
He left me to my own free, uncontrolled, and uncontrollable action. My
reception into the Church of Rome was purely of my own free choice and
will, and according to the exercise of my own judgment. I thought for
myself, and acted for myself, or I should not have acted at all.

I have always been, and _am_, satisfied that I was right.

As to Cardinal Manning, his extreme good sense and toleration were my
admiration at all times, and I shall venerate his memory as long as I
live. His kindness was unbounded.

It was after his death, which was a great shock to me, that I was
received into the Church by the late Cardinal Vaughan.

When the latter was showing Lady Brampton and myself over that
beautiful structure, the new Westminster Cathedral, I thought I should
like to erect a memorial chapel, and made a proposal to that effect.
We resolved to dedicate it to St. Gregory and St. Augustine. It was
afterwards called "Our Chapel."

The stonework was accordingly proceeded with, and afterwards the plans
for decoration were submitted to the Archbishop and myself. For these
decorations I subscribed a portion. The rest of the work was our own,
and we have the satisfaction of feeling that Our Chapel is erected to
the honour and glory of God.

The style of decoration adopted is Byzantine. The walls are
embellished with many and various beautiful marbles. The eastern side
has a representation of Pope Gregory sending St. Augustine with his
followers to preach the gospel in England. Another scene is St.
Augustine's reception by King Ethelbert and Queen Bertha in the Isle
of Thanet.

The panels of the reredos contain pictures of St. Gregory and St.
Augustine, with their four contemporaries, St. Paulinus, St. Justus
(Bishop of Rochester), St. Laurentius, and St. Me