And another man, a Mr.Sherwood, was executed a few days afterwards." There was a rustle along the benches.

Some there had heard of the fact, but no more; some had heard nothing of either the man or his death.

Two or three faces turned a shade paler; and then the silence settled down again.

For here was a matter that touched them all closely enough; since up to now scarcely a priest except Mr.Cuthbert Maine had suffered death for his religion; and even of him some of the more tolerant said that it was treason with which he was charged.

They had heard, indeed, of a priest or two having been sent abroad into exile for his faith; but the most of them thought it a thing incredible that in England at this time a man should suffer death for it.