aid Lopez, severely--"Spain is a Christian country."

"True--true; I forgot," said Brooke.

"In an infidel country," continued Lopez, "like England or America, the
State regulates marriage, of course; but it is different in Spain--very
different."

Brooke scarcely heard this. He was groping about mentally in search of an
idea. Another one came--a hopeless one, like the last--but he caught at
it, since there was nothing else to do.

"This priest," said he, "is an Englishman."

"Well!" said Lopez, with a slight expression of surprise.

"I didn't know but that it might make some difference," said Brooke,
meekly.

"Difference! How?"

"Not--not knowing your language, you know."

"My language!" said Lopez; "what does that matter? He has the language of
the Church, and that language every priest uses in the formulas and
services of the Church, whether he is a Spaniard, or an Englishman, or an
African negro. He celebrates the sacraments in the words laid down by the
Church, and the languages of the various nations have nothing to do with
these holy rites. I fear, senor, you are raising objections which will
seem as strange and unreasonable to your friend, this good priest, as
they do to me."

At this Brooke was struck dumb. He had nothing more to say.

"You will tell your friend," said Lopez, "to be ready at an early hour
to-morrow morning. I also will do myself the honor, senor, to invite you
to give us the pleasure of your company on this occasion."

Brooke bowed, and murmured something about the consciousness which he had
of the honor that Lopez had done him; and in the midst of these
commonplaces Lopez retired.

After his departure Brooke remained silent for a long time. Talbot feared
the worst, and as she had divined already the meaning of this visit, she
understood perfectly the feelings of Brooke. So she said not a word, but
patiently waited until he chose to speak. At length he told her all.

"I thought so," said Talbot.

"What will you do?" asked Brooke, in a low voice.

"Nothing," said Talbot, simply.

"Nothing?" repeated Brooke. "What can I do?"

"Can you not do what he requests?" asked Brooke, in a trembling voice.

"What! and marry them?"

"Why not?"

"It is impossible!" said Talbot, firmly.

"Oh heavens!" moaned Brooke, in a tone of despair.

"Oh, Brooke, do not talk like that!" said Talbot, entreatingly. "Have I
not already said all that can be said?"

"Well," said Brooke, "listen t