Then perhaps, my sister, thou wilt join with me in wishing that the lad had shown more regard for his stern sire's word." "Nay, Philip, sure thou fearest too much," spoke Cecilia from her station beside the window.

"Nicholas Trevlyn may be a dark and sour man, but he scarce would lift a hand against his own flesh and blood! I cannot believe it of any father." "Fathers of his type have done as bad ere now," answered Philip, with gravity, "and there is no bigot like the Papist bigot, who is soured and embittered by persecution himself.

Cuthbert has told me things ere this which show what an iron soul his father's is.

He believes that he would wring the neck of little Petronella sooner than see her turn out of the path of unreasoning Papistry in which he has brought her up," and Philip's face darkened suddenly as he turned it towards his sisters.
"But sure the King would protect them if he knew," said Bessie, the youngest of the sisters.

"Why, the law bids all loyal subjects go to church, and punishes those who stay away.