There was something soothing in the deep stillness that reigned on that balmy morning, and Inez felt its influence.

She paused at the entrance of the gray old church, and stretched forth her arms to the rosy east.
"Peace, peace!" she murmured, in a weary tone, and sunk her head upon her bosom.

The door opened behind her, and raising herself proudly, she drew the scarf closer about her, and entered.
A basin of holy water was placed near, and hastily she signed the figure of the cross and proceeded down the aisle to a side door leading to one of the wings.

She pushed it noiselessly ajar and passed in.
A solitary tin sconce dimly lighted the small confessional, dark and gloomy as night, at that early hour.

A wooden cross suspended from the wall, a stone bench, and table, on which lay a rosary and crucifix, and a small vessel of holy water, formed the entire furniture.