most
imperturbable silence. It was a scene not unlike that of that ancient
senate, who, unable to resist the attack of barbarians, evinced their
pride and bravery by their contemptuous silence. The sun was shining
brightly through the western windows of the chamber, and his glaring
rays, softened and coloured by the rich red curtains of damask, threw a
deeper flush upon the cheeks of the haughty old councillors. With their
eyes fixed upon the intruders, they patiently awaited the result of the
interview. On the other hand, the attitude and behaviour of the rebels
was not less calm and dignified. They had evidently counselled well
before they had determined to intrude thus upon the deliberations of the
council. It was with no angry or impatient outburst of passion, with no
air of triumph, that they came. They knew their rights, and had come to
claim and maintain them.

There were two men there, and they the youngest of that mixed assembly,
who viewed each other with looks of darker hatred than the rest. The
wound inflicted in Hansford's heart at Windsor Hall had not yet been
healed--and with that tendency to injustice so habitual to lovers, with
the proclivity of all men to seek out some one whom they may charge as
the author of their own misfortune, he viewed Bernard with feelings of
distrust and enmity. He felt, too, or rather he feared, that the heart
left vacant by his own exclusion from it, might be filled with this
young rival. Bernard, on the other hand, had even stronger reason of
dislike, and if such motives could operate even upon the noble mind of
Hansford, with how much greater force would they impress the selfish
character of the young jesuit. The recollection of that last scene with
Virginia in the park, of her unwavering devotion to her rebel lover,
and her disregard of his own feelings came upon him now with renewed
force, as he saw that rebel rival stand before him. Even if filial
regard for her father's wishes and a sense of duty to herself would
forever prevent her alliance with Hansford, Alfred Bernard felt that so
long as his rival lived there was an insuperable obstacle to his
acquisition of her estate, an object which he prized even more than her
love. Thus these two young men darted angry glances at each other, and
forgot in their own personal aggrievements, the higher principles for
which they were engaged of loyalty on the one hand, and liberty on the
other.

Bacon was the first to break sile