Then came the humiliating thought, that all the efforts of her priesthood were of so little avail; and that, with all their professed power and influence, they were unable to stem the torrent of corruption, or to enforce the rites and ceremonies of their communion. "Would that it were," thought he, "as in by-gone days, when the truth of our holy religion was not thus assailed by the vain dreams of heretics! But these are the times of darkness; and it may be only for the trial of our faith and patience that the powers of hell are for a season let loose upon us. Will they not at last come forth, as gold out of the fire, seven times purified?" Thus he reasoned; but the hope for a moment lighted up, was as suddenly extinguished by gloomy anticipations.

Perhaps there is nothing that excites a deeper feeling of self-abasement in the mind of a true Romanist, than the fact of those who are under his immediate oversight, renouncing their profession, and becoming, as he supposes, in danger of eternal damnation. The care of souls involves at all times a fearful, an awful responsibility; and the Romish Priest, if sincere according to the light he has, is not the last to acknowledge his individual participation of it. Thus it was at least with Father Basil. The questions," Have I been faithful in the

discharge of my sacred duties?"

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"Have I

set an example to my flock worthy their imitation?" 'Might I not have been more laborious, more self-denying, more watchful?"-these, and a thousand others, pressed upon his heart with an intensity that was almost overwhelming, as he bitterly accused himself of indifference to his Church's weal. "But the time past shall suffice," thought he: "and if fastings, and prayers, and penances can avail aught as an atonement for its misimprovement, may the Blessed Virgin enable me to perform them, and for the future to be more devoted!" He then repeated the prayers prescribed by the Church; and, with a heart in some measure relieved of its burden, began to devise schemes for the suppression of the dangerous tenets that were now afloat amongst his people.

It is but justice to state, that notwithstanding the self-upbraidings of Father Basil, his slightest approach to dereliction of duty would have been the farthest thought from the minds of his flock. He was regarded by all as an example of everything that was praiseworthy; and the constant labours in which he was engaged, and his rigorous and unwearied attention to every duty, were calculated to impress them with a high opinion of his religious zeal.

This, it was his interest to encourage: while, at the same time, he mourned in secret over the corruptions that he felt deeply seated within; and could not avoid acknowledging to himself, that the most exact observance of duty, and the most torturing performance of penances enjoined by the Church, were all unable to subdue the evils of his nature,-to afford solid and satisfactory peace, or entirely to remove the sense and apprehension of guilt.

But to return. What, in the present state of affairs at the Hall, was to be done? To allow the cousins to associate might prove beneficial, but the probability was the contrary. Nothing then remained but a separation; and how could this be effected? Helen, notwithstanding the change in her sentiments, was a decided favourite with all, not excepting Mrs. Llewellyn; and without her consent it was impossible to do anything. What steps her zeal for the Church might induce her to take, he could scarcely, in such a case, imagine; but he determined to use every endeavour to gain a point of so much importance, well aware that Helen's influence, though silent and unobtrusive, would extend beyond the precincts of her own dwelling. Deeply occupied by these reflections, Father Basil was somewhat startled at the proximity of footsteps; and, looking up,

he saw two horsemen leisurely approaching along the narrow pathway. It needed not a second glance at the younger to recognise the features of Raymond Leslie; though an absence of five years, three of which had been spent abroad, had greatly altered his form and figure. He had observed Father Basil, and, quickening his pace, was in an instant at his side, grasping his hand with enthusiastic fervour. His cordial greeting was as heartily returned; and a few moments' conversation assured Raymond of the welfare of those dearest to his heart. "Allow me now," said he, "to introduce my companion: I must then hasten to my aunt. Mr. Somers: you may possibly be acquainted with him."

Father Basil turned rather pale. Mr. Somers, the Protestant Minister of Linburn, on such apparently intimate terms with Leslie! What might next happen? He, however, quickly recovered himself, though his somewhat haughty bow was in perfect contrast with the ease and polished frankness of Mr. Somers's salutation. The quick eye of Raymond foresaw some embarrassment: he therefore pleaded anxiety to see his friends as an apology for haste. "Allow me an opportunity of conversing with you as soon as possible," whispered Father Basil, with an expressive glance. "I will, I will,

father," returned Raymond. "It is all right, perfectly right," he continued, with a smile, and a look that seemed to say, "You need not be alarmed, though a heretic is my companion."

But Father Basil thought he had cause for alarm. Here opened a new source of disquietude; and Helen's case he considered hopeless, should her brother approve her sentiments. No time must be lost he must ascertain the opinions of Raymond; and steps must immediately be taken to prevent the further spread of heresy. Full of these thoughts, he returned with a heavy heart to his solitary home.

CHAPTER VII.

"So, trusting in thy love, I tread

The narrow path of duty on:

What, though some cherish'd joys are fled!

What, though some flattering dreams are gone!

Yet purer, brighter joys remain:

Why should my spirit then complain?"

BOWRING.

It will easily be imagined what delight was diffused through the Hall at Linburn, on the arrival of the long-absent stranger; and it was with no small degree of pride and pleasure