s a long room with lofty windows on each side, and
also at the end opposite to the door through which she had been led in.
In the centre, on a raised dais, was a long table covered with a cloth
of alternate blue and fawn coloured stripes; and at the end opposite to
where Amine was brought in, was raised an enormous crucifix, with a
carved image of our Saviour. The jailor pointed to a small bench, and
intimated to Amine that she was to sit down.

After a scrutiny of some moments, the secretary spoke:--

"What is your name?"

"Amine Vanderdecken."

"Of what country?"

"My husband is of the Low Countries; I am from the East."

"What is your husband?"

"The captain of a Dutch Indiaman."

"How came you here?"

"His vessel was wrecked, and we were separated."

"Whom do you know here?"

"Father Mathias."

"What property have you?"

"None; it is my husband's."

"Where is it?"

"In the custody of Father Mathias."

"Are you aware why you are brought here?"

"How should I be?" replied Amine, evasively; "tell me what I am accused
of?"

"You must know whether you have done wrong or not. You had better
confess all your conscience accuses you of."

"My conscience does not accuse me of doing anything."

"Then you will confess nothing?"

"By your own showing, I have nothing to confess."

"You say you are from the East: are you a Christian?"

"I reject your creed."

"You are married to a Catholic?"

"Yes a true Catholic."

"Who married you?"

"Father Seysen, a Catholic, priest."

"Did you enter into the bosom of the Church?--did he venture to marry
you without your being baptised?"

"Some ceremony did take place which I consented to."

"It was baptism, was it not?"

"I believe it was so termed."

"And now you say that you reject the creed?"

"Since I have witnessed the conduct of those who profess it, I do. At
the time of my marriage I was disposed towards it."

"What is the amount of your property in the Father Mathias's hands."

"Some hundreds of dollars--he knows exactly."

The Grand Inquisitor rang a bell; the jailors entered, and Amine was led
back to her dungeon.

"Why should they ask so often about my money?" mused Amine; "if they
require it, they may take it. What is their power? What would they do
with me? Well, well, a few days will decide." A few days;--no, no,
Amine; years, perhaps would have passed without decision, but that in
our months from the date of your incarc