a narrow opening into a gallery, actually formed within the wall, and perfectly light from being roofless, while the footing was secure on the hewn stone. Into this they stepped, and after walking along between the two high walls, which were still of a respectable thickness, they descended about fifteen steps, and found themselves at an opening, whence (thanks to a large pile of stones and rubbish) they could easily gain the large quadrangle of the ruin; a place well known to our party, as well as to the rest of the neighbourhood, as one of the most perfect specimens of ancient ecclesiastical architecture to be seen in that part of England; and, in these modern times, exposed to all the pic-nic incursions of pleasure-loving parties; who, however, little suspected the fact, that, in times forming a middle age between the monastic era of the abbey and its present desecration, the ancient vault beneath the abbey church had, by the persecuted Catholics of the reigns of the Tudors and their successors, been converted into a chapel, where, at midnight, and by stealth, the ancient but prohibited service was performed, the priest ministering at the risk of life, the hearers attending at that of heavy fines, if not of imprisonment and torture. "Yes," continued Mr. Everard, who gave his two auditors this account, "I have been, during the past month, incessantly at this spot, and am convinced of what I tell you. The common county chronicle gives the account of the sequestration of the abbey and the abbey lands, in the reign of Henry the Eighth, together with the pillage attendant on all his royal reforms. The building, however, was not destroyed, and during the revival of Catholicity in the reign of Mary, was used as a hospital, with some attempts to restore its former privileges which were all swept away by Elizabeth. The hospital even became suspicious, because, within cloistered walls the establishment

was merged in other institutions; and, at the supposed discovery of some popish plot,' the popular fury satiated itself by demolishing the whole interior of this majestic pile. Here ends the county record, and henceforth the principal interest lies in the vault beneath the chancel of the ancient abbey church, to which the access was probably from behind the high altar. Be that as it may, I have ascertained that the little sliding door, which we had such difficulty in finding, was constructed by the more modern and persecuted Catholics, as a farther means of escape, should they be pursued up the staircase from their subterranean chapel."

"And why, do you think, has this little memorable spot been deserted ?" said Geraldine.

"I conclude," replied Mr. Everard, "that unconquerable difficulties at length attended the access to it, for on the possessor of the little farm below the hill would depend the freedom of the path we mounted; and now that the Established Church, thank God, has ceased to persecute the builders and benefactors of the cathedrals and churches of the land, and allows them to erect, as they can, their humble chapels, the Catholics will no longer be driven into roofs and under ground to celebrate the mysteries of their faith,"

"Mr. Everard, you speak as though you believed in those mysteries."

"No! I do not, but my blood boils when I see persecution, either when its victims cannot believe or when they cannot help believing, what passes man's comprehension.

"Who sees these dismal heaps, but will demand
What barbarous invader sacked the land!

But when he hears no Goth, no Turk did bring
This desolation, but a Christian king,

When nothing but the name of zeal appears
"Twixt our best actions, and the worst of theirs :
What does he think our sacrilege would spare,
Since these th' effects of our devotion are!"

"That voice, and those sentiments, must belong to the liberal Mr. Everard," exclaimed some one, who had overheard the latter part at least of this quotation; and, as the party turned to identify the speaker, two gentlemen issued from behind an abutment, which had hitherto concealed them, the younger and taller of whom, advancing eagerly to Mr. Everard, shook him heartily by the hand; when, turning to bow to the two ladies, "Miss Carrington!" exclaimed he, in joyful surprise, "have I indeed the pleasure of renewing our acquaintance in the company of so great a peace-maker as my friend Mr. Everard?"

"Why, my dear," said the old gentleman to Geraldine, "do you already know Sir Eustace de Grey?"

"Indeed I do," replied Geraldine, smiling, and extending her hand to the young Catholic; but I see that Sir Eustace, by referring to a peace-maker, has not quite forgiven my attacks last year upon himself and his Church."

"I could only be honoured by the privilege of defending myself," replied he, gaily; "and as for my Church, I am less sore than I formerly was on her account, as I see the odious mask now falling off, which misrepresentation had fastened on her matchless beauty."

"Geraldine," said Miss Graham, "it is very damp here, and I am tired to death of all these. discoveries. Pray, are we to stay in the ruins all day?"

"Are you really tired, Katherine? I beg your pardon, we will return home directly," replied Geraldine, who felt, by the tone of her friend's voice, that she was vexed as well as fatigued; and Mr. Everard was now commissioned to call the servants, who had been ordered to bring round the horses to the great entrance of the abbey. As Sir

Eustace held the rein of the spirited Finella, his hitherto silent companion advanced to ask him. whether another day would be more convenient for taking the measurements they had contemplated in the abbey ?"

"It would, indeed, my good sir," replied the young baronet; "at least, if you can go on without me so much the better-if not, write to me-or -stay-I will call on you to-morrow."

no

"Surely I ought to know that countenance," said Geraldine, as the stranger bowed his farewell, and returned to the interior of the abbey; "perhaps I have seen him at church."

"I can scarcely think so," replied Sir Eustace, smiling, "for Mr. Grantly is a staunch Catholic, and devoted also, in his profession of architect, to our poor little chapels; to attend to which he has often declined more lucrative engagements."

"What can be his purpose in taking the measurements of the ruin ?" asked Geraldine; but she wished to recal the question when uttered, as her companion mounted his horse without a reply, and the little troop now slowly descended the sloping turf, until they regained the high road.

CHAPTER VII.

"

"Experience is the father, and memory is the mother, of risdom." SPANISH PROV B.

"No! KATHERINE, you are quite mistaken," said Geraldine, in the evening of that day, as the two friends reposed after their fatigues on the same sofa, while the Warden and Mr. Everard remained in the dining-room engaged in deep discourse. In supposing Sir Eustace de Grey to influence my leaning towards the Catholic belief, you are mistaken, and wilfully so, for have I ever concealed from you any feeling of my heart? and have you not watched the progress of reason and religion in conquering the preference I own to have felt, in more girlish days, for that Catholic from whom country and creed have parted me for ever? have you not often heard me since return to heaven my thanks, that strength was given to me to steel my heart against the brilliant witcheries of Spain; that all was over that could tempt my heart, could cloud my mind, could cast a shadow on my high resolve to know the truth!... Four years ago, some conscientious scruples would have fettered me-now I am free, and, being so, trust me I will préserve my liberty." "I know too well your scrupulous integrity," returned Miss Graham," to suppose that your mind will be swayed, except in self-delusion: you will continue to believe yourself at liberty, and this very belief, added to the sacrifice you must make in