be true that heretics are doomed
to hell, then I will live so that I may go to hell with him."

In spite of his horror the priest was thrilled by the intense passion
in the voice so close to his ear. Moreover, he knew women well, this
good padre, for even in California they differed little from those that
played ball with the world. So he dismissed the horror and spoke
soothingly.

"What you have said would be mortal sin, my daughter, were it not that
you are laboring under strong and natural excitement; and I shall
absolve you freely when you have done the penance I must impose. You
have always been such a good child that I am able to forgive you even
in this terrible moment. But, my daughter, surely you know that this
marriage can never take place--"

"It shall! It shall!"

"Control yourself, my daughter. You cannot bring this man into the
true church. His character is long since formed and cast--it is iron.
Even love will not melt it. Were he younger--"

"I should hate him. All young men are insufferable to me--always have
been. I have found my mate, and have him I will if I have to hide in
the hold of his ship. Ah, padre mio, I know not what I say. But you
will help me. Only you can. My father thinks you as wise as a saint.
And there are other things--my head turns round--I can hardly
think--but you dare not lose the friendship of this Russian. And my
marriage to him would be as much for the good of the Missions as for
California herself. Champion our course, point out that not only would
it be a great match for me, but that many ends would be lost by ruining
my life. The Governor will find himself in a position to grant your
prayers for the cargo, particularly if you first persuaded my
father--so long they have been friends, the Governor could not resist
if he joined our forces. What is one girl that she should be held of
greater account than the welfare of this country to which you are
devoting your life? The happier are your converts, the more kindly
will they take to Christianity--which they do not love as yet!--the
more faithful and contented will they be, in the prospect of the
luxuries and the toys and the trinkets of the Russian north. What is
one girl against the friendship of Russia for Spain? Who am I that I
should weigh a peseta in the scale?"

"You are Concha Arguello, the flower of all the maidens in California,
and the daughter of the best of our men," replied Father Abella