The priest waived his hand for silence. Then he spoke, while accents of pity mingled with his naturally stern and resolute manner.

"Enough, " said he, "I must have time. I must invoke assistance from the Blessed Virgin, who knew no sin, but who, without the carnal delights of mortal copulation, brought forth the babe of babes in the manger of Bethlehem. Come to me tomorrow in the sacristy, Bella. These in the precincts, I will unfold to you the Divine Will concerning your transgression. At two o'clock I will expect you. As for you, rash youth, I shall reserve my judgment, and all action, until the following day, when at the same hour I shall likewise expect you. " A thousand thanks were being poured out by the united throats of the penitents, when the Father warned them both to part. The evening had long ago closed in, and the dews of night were stealing upwards. "Meanwhile, good night and peace; your secret is safe with me, until we meet again, " he spoke and disappeared.

CHAPTER II

Curiosity to learn the sequel of an adventure in which I already felt so much interest, as well as a tender solicitude for the gentle and amiable Bella, constrained me to keep in her vicinity, and I, therefore, took care not to annoy her with any very decided attentions on my part, or to raise resistance by an ill-timed attack at a moment when it was necessary to the success of my design to remain within range of that young lady's operations. I shall not attempt to tell of the miserable period passed by my young protegee in the interval which elapsed between the shocking discovery made by the holy Father Confessor, and the hour assigned by him for the interview in the sacristy, which was to decide the fate of the unfortunate Bella.