ther viper broth would be good for
her?"

"A most excellent suggestion, my Lady. But, I was about to remark, the
physician of Saint Albans hath given me a most precious thing, which
would infallibly restore the damsel, even if she were at the gates of
death. Three hairs of the beard of the blessed Dominic [Note 2], whom
our holy Father hath but now canonised. If the damsel were to take one
of these, fasting, in holy water, no influence of the Devil could have
any longer power over her."

"_Ha, jolife_!" cried the Countess, clasping her hands. "Magot, my
love, this is the very thing. Thou must take it."

"I will take what you command, Lady."

But there was no enthusiasm in Margaret's voice.

"Then to-morrow morning, Master, do, I beseech you, administer this
precious cordial!"

"Lady, I will do so. But it would increase the efficacy, if the damsel
would devoutly repeat this evening the Rosary of the holy Virgin, with
twelve Glorias and one hundred Aves."

"Get thee to it, quickly, Magot, my darling, and I will say them with
thee, which will surely be of still more benefit Master, I thank you
inexpressibly!"

And hastily rising, the Countess repaired to her oratory, whither
Margaret followed her. Father Warner was there already, and he joined
in the prayers, which made them of infallible efficacy in the eyes of
the Countess.

At five o'clock the next morning, in the oratory, the holy hair was duly
administered to the patient. All the priests were present except Bruno.
Master Aristoteles himself, after high mass, came forward with the
blessed relic,--a long, thick, black hair, immersed in holy water, in a
golden goblet set with pearls. This Margaret obediently swallowed (of
course exclusive of the goblet); and it is not very surprising that a
fit of coughing succeeded the process.

"Avaunt thee, Satanas!" said Father Warner, making the sign of the cross
in the air above Margaret's head.

Father Nicholas kindly suggested that a little more of the holy water
might be efficacious against the manifest enmity of the foul Fiend.
Master Aristoteles readily assented; and the additional dose calmed the
cough: but probably it did not occur to any one to think whether unholy
water would not have done quite as well.

When they had come out into the bower, the Countess took her daughter in
her arms, and kissed her brow.

"Now, my Magot," said she playfully--it was not much forced, for her
faith was great in t