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 more of human emotion than usual, and he gazed with considerable attention upon the woman who was capable of awakening in his mind more than a passing interest.

Madame La Tour recognized fully, and her daughter in part, that somehow their fate rested in the hands of this distinguished Jesuit.

Both ladies arose and made reverent salutations, and Madame La Tour bade the Superior to sit down. She furthermore expressed her pleasure at the honor bestowed upon herself and daughter by this visit.

“I think, ladies,” said the Superior, “that you cannot be in ignorance of my mission to-day. Before the estates to which you have recently fallen heir can be legally conveyed to you, it is necessary that the Church should be satisfied as to your orthodoxy. Of Madame La Tour we have no serious doubts, but as to whether her daughter is a good Catholic we are not so confident. Has she been duly instructed in the Catholic faith, and does she profess to be a true believer?” he inquired of Madame.

“Certainly, your reverence. Her father, to be sure, was a Huguenot, but continued persecution broke his spirit. He did not wish to have his child urged to follow a path which led to such direful results, and so he permitted me to rear her in my own faith.”