, the
dragon of impiety, the dragon of forgetfulness of religious duties.
He proved that the charity of St. Orberosia was a work of social
regeneration, and he concluded by an ardent appeal to the faithful "to
become instruments of the Divine mercy, eager upholders and supporters
of the charity of St. Orberosia, and to furnish it with all the means
which it required to take its flight and bear its salutary fruits." *

* Cf. J. Ernest Charles in the "Censeur," May-August, 1907,
p. 562, col. 2.

After the ceremony, the Reverend Father Douillard remained in
the sacristy at the disposal of those of the faithful who desired
information concerning the charity, or who wished to bring their
contributions. Mademoiselle Clarence wished to speak to Father
Douillard, so did Viscount Clena. The crowd was large, and a queue was
formed. By chance Viscount Clena and Mademoiselle Clarence were side by
side and possibly they were squeezed a little closely to each other
by the crowd. Eveline had noticed this fashionable young man, who was
almost as well known as his father in the world of sport. Clena had
noticed her, and, as he thought her pretty, he bowed to her, then
apologised and pretended to believe that he had been introduced to the
ladies, but could not remember where. They pretended to believe it also.

He presented himself the following week at Madame Clarence's, thinking
that her house was a bit fast--a thing not likely to displease him--and
when he saw Eveline again he felt he had not been mistaken and that she
was an extremely pretty girl.

Viscount Clena had the finest motor-car in Europe. For three months he
drove the Clarences every day over hills and plains, through woods and
valleys; they visited famous sites and went over celebrated castles. He
said to Eveline all that could be said and did all that could be done
to overcome her resistance. She did not conceal from him that she
loved him, that she would always love him, and love no one but him. She
remained grave and trembling by his side. To his devouring passion she
opposed the invincible defence of a virtue conscious of its danger. At
the end of three months, after having gone uphill and down hill,
turned sharp corners, and negotiated level crossings, and experienced
innumerable break-downs, he knew her as well as he knew the fly-wheel of
his car, but not much better. He employed surprises, adventures,
sudden stoppages in the depths of forests and befor