Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/160

 he decided to become a heretic, and to cast aside the ancient and revered faith of his fathers. Then, when he besought you on his knees to accept this impious sacrifice, and grant him favor, you utterly refused to let this rash youth perjure himself. I have to thank you to-day for saving my soul from eternal death. The day that you became the wife of Dr. Chenoweth I entered the school for novitiates in Brussels, and in process of time became a Brother of the Society of Jesus. All these years I have blessed you for your decision, and never have I omitted to remember your name in my prayers from that day to this, beseeching God to open your eyes, that you might be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth before it is forever too late."

There was no doubt as to the sincerity of the priest. His countenance showed that he was terribly in earnest. Madam Chenoweth gazed upon that noble face, almost transparent in its color, and she said to herself, "Poor Louis! And this is what the cloister has made of you!" Aloud she said, "I thank you, my friend, for your kindness, but my faith is as dear to me as yours is to you. Nothing will ever alter my convictions."

The priest sighed. Then he said, "I have long desired to cancel my obligation to you. It is now possible for me to do it. I have learned that both you and your son have been denied admittance to the prison where your husband is incarcerated. I