nswer of Bruno. "I shall never ask it of
either of you."

"But thou believest all these?" said Abraham.

"I believe Jesus Christ my Lord. The rest is all to me a very little
matter. I never pray with an image; I need it not. If another man
think he does need it, to his own conscience I leave it before God. For
Mary, Mother and Maid, I honour her, as you maybe honour your mother.
_I_ do not worship her: about other men I say nothing. And as to the
Church,--why, what is the Church but a congregation of saved souls, to
whom Christ is Lawgiver and Saviour? Her laws are His: or if not, then
they have no right to be hers."

"Ah Bruno," said Abraham rather sadly, "thy religion is not that of
other Christians."

"It is better," said Belasez softly.

"Father, my Christianity is Christ. I concern not myself with other
men, except to save them, so far as it pleases God to work by me."

"Well, well! May Adonai forgive us all!--My son, what dost thou mean to
do with the child? It is for thee to decide now."

"My father, I shall endeavour to obtain absolution from my vows, and to
become once more a parish priest, so that my Beatrice may dwell with me.
Until then, choose thou whether she shall remain with thee, or go back
to Bury Castle. I am sure the Lady would gladly receive her."

"Nay, Bruno, do not ask me to choose! If the child be here when
Licorice returns, she will never dwell with thee. I believe she would
well-nigh stab us both to the heart sooner than permit it. And I fear
she may come any day."

"Then she had better come with me to Bury."

"`It is Adonai!' So be it."

"But I shall see thee, my father?" asked Belasez, addressing Abraham.

"Trust me for that, my Belasez! I can come to thee on my trade
journeys, so long as it pleases the Holy One that I have strength to
take them. And after that--He will provide. My son, wilt thou come for
the child to-morrow? I will let thee out at the postern door; for thou
hadst better not meet Delecresse."

And Abraham drew back the bolt, and opened the baize door.

"Father Jacob!" they heard him instantly ejaculate, in a very different
tone from that of his last words.

"What hast thou been about now?" demanded the shrill voice of Licorice
in the passage outside. "When folks are frightened at the sight of
their lawful wives, it is a sure sign they have been after some
mischief. Is there any one in yon chamber except thyself?--Ah, Belasez,
I am glad