We may often hope for the _present_ by considering the changes of the _past_; but to attempt to pronounce judgment on the sentiments of the _past_ by reasoning of the _present_, when the mind is always advancing, is one of the weakest and idlest fallacies that ever entered the human breast.
Digression as this is, it is necessary clearly to comprehend the situation in which Marie's avowal of her religion had placed her, and her reason for so carefully wording her information as to the existence of the secret closet, that no suspicion might attach itself to the religion of her husband.

Her confession sent a shock, which vibrated not only through Isabella's immediate court, but through every part of Spain.

Suspicion once aroused, none knew where it might end, or on whom fall.

In her first impulse to save Arthur, she had only thought of what such confession might bring to herself individually, and that was, comparatively, easy to endure; but as the excitement ceased, as the dread truth dawned upon her, that, if he must die at the expiration of the given month, her avowal had been utterly useless, the dread of its consequences, to the numerous secret members of her faith appalled her, and caused the firm, resolve under no circumstances to betray the religion of her husband.

Him indeed it could not harm; but that one so high in rank, in influence, in favor with sovereigns and people, was only outwardly a Catholic, might have most fatal consequences on all his brethren.