Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/103

 “Your husband showed remarkable leniency for one of that accursed sect,” said the Jesuit, with an ill-concealed sneer.

“My father was everything that was honorable and noble,” said Katharine La Tour proudly. “Could you have known him, your reverence, I do not think you would have despised him even though he was a Huguenot.”

The expression which animated the young girl's face made her wonderfully attractive.

“I admire your loyalty to your father's memory,” said the Jesuit gently. “I have no doubt he possessed excellent virtues. I only regret that he chose to die outside the pale of the Church.”

“Is my daughter's standing as a Catholic questioned?” asked Madame, her thoughts centring about the inheritance which meant so much to her.

“Frankly, yes. Reports have reached us which lead us to doubt her devotion to mother Church.”

“But I tell you she is a Catholic,” said Madame, irritably. “Is not the word of a good Catholic sufficient to set your doubts to rest?”

“Madame La Tour, this is no ordinary case. There is a large fortune at stake, which must not be allowed to go into Protestant hands. It is entirely for your own interest and that of your daughter to profess orthodoxy and to support your statements by an outward observance of the rites and ceremonies of the Catholic Church. What we wish to