Page:Monthly scrap book, for March.pdf/10

 10              THE MONTHLY not to that false-hearted fiend. You tell me that your convent is poor,---my richest jewels shall be         the reward. You remind me the power and influ- ence of Marlowe is great;--the benedictions of a         pure heart, and the prayers of an bumhle maiden Shall seek to yon that protection from heaven, which may be denied you on earth."           " Daughter," said the Abbot, " the reward is          the inheritance of Satan, the prayers of the giver can never avail me."           " Holy Father," exclaimed Gertrude, " does it          become the Church which I have been taught to          revere as the pillar of our land, to lend its power and influence in oppressing the helpless, and to sell its aid to the cause of tyranny? Let it not be said of thee at least, my lord Abbot, that the prayers of the innocent were ever less in thy sight, than the commands of the guilty.” " Maiden," answered the Monk,“ thy prayers may not have wanted their effect. A conviction of the right has not led me to thy wishes, but that the Holy Church may be instrumental to thy peace and happiness; meet me an hour hereafter in the Chapel with thy betrothed."           Thus saying he quitted the chureh, and as the          last sound of his footsteps died away, Gertrude          Walshingham starting as from a dream, exclaimed--          " Thanks thy lord Abbot," and retiring from the          building tripped with a light step down an avenue          overhung with lofty trees by a path which led to          the abbey of St. Cuthberts. At the foot of the          avenue the figure of a man was seen to glide