Anger at himself for the sensation, momentary as it was, increased the virulence of other passions; but then was not the hour for their betrayal.

In low, deep tones, he commenced the mockery of a trial.

That her avowal of her faith would elude torture, by at once condemning her to the flames, was disregarded.

She was formally accused of blasphemy and heresy, and threatened with the severest vengeance of the church which she had reviled; but that this case of personal guilt would be mercifully laid aside for the present, for still more important considerations.

Was her late husband, they demanded, of the same blaspheming creed as herself?
And a list of names, comprising some of the highest families of Spain, was read out and laid before her, with the stern command to affix a mark against all who, like herself, had relapsed into the foul heresy of their ancestors--to do this, or the torture should wring it from her.
But the weakness of humanity had passed; and so calm, so collected, so firm, was the prisoner's resolute refusal to answer either question, that the familiar to whom she had clung for mercy looked at her with wonder.