naticism? I accept the Syllabus--believe in the Prophet of Nazareth?
Oh! I could sink into the earth on account of this disgrace! Did I for
an instant doubt that Seraphin may be redeemed from superstition and
fanaticism, I would renounce my union with him--I would spurn the
tempting enjoyments of wealth, so much do I hate silly credulity."

Seraphin glanced at her through the gap in the foliage. Not six paces
from him, with her face turned in his direction, stood the infuriate
beauty. How changed her countenance! The features, habitually so
delicate and bright, now looked absolutely hideous, the brows were
fiercely knit, and hatred poured like streams of fire from her eyes.
Sentiments hitherto skilfully concealed had taken visible shape, ugly
and repulsive to the view of the innocent youth. His noble spirit
revolted at so much hypocrisy and falsehood. What occurred before him
was at once so monstrous and so overwhelming that he did not for an
instant consider that in case they entered the arbor he would be
discovered. He was not discovered, however. Louise and Carl retraced
their steps. For a short while the voice of Louise was still audible,
then silence reigned in the garden.

Seraphin rose from his seat. There was a sad earnestness in his face,
and the vanishing traces of deep pain, which however were soon
superseded by a noble indignation.

"I have beheld the genuine Louise, and I thank God for it. It is as I
feared, Louise is a progressionist, an infidel that considers it
disgraceful to believe in the Redeemer. Out upon such degeneracy! She
hates light, and how hideous this hatred makes her. Not a feature was
left of the charming, smiling, winning Louise. Good God! how horrible
had her real character remained unknown until after we were married!
Chained for life to the bitter enemy of everything that I hold dear and
venerate as holy--think of it! With eyes bandaged, I was but two paces
from an abyss that resembles hell--thank God! the bandage has fallen--I
see the abyss, and shudder.

"'The ultramontane Seraphin'--'the fanatical Gerlach'--'the
shortsighted Gerlach,' whose fortune the young lady covets that she may
pass her life in enjoyment--a heartless girl, in whom there is not a
spark of love for her intended husband--how base!

"'Ultramontane'?--'fanatical'?--yes! 'Shortsighted?' by no means. One
would need the suspicious eyes of progress to see through the hypocrisy
of this lady and her brother--a simple,