Leave Providence to deal with them!" "My quiet little countrywoman," said the priest, with half a smile on his kindly old face, "you can pluck up a spirit, I perceive, when you fancy an occasion for one." "I have spirit only to do what I think right," replied Hilda simply.

"In other respects I am timorous." "But you confuse yourself between right feelings and very foolish inferences," continued the priest, "as is the wont of women,--so much I have learnt by long experience in the confessional,--be they young or old.

However, to set your heart at rest, there is no probable need for me to reveal the matter.

What you have told, if I mistake not, and perhaps more, is already known in the quarter which it most concerns." "Known!" exclaimed Hilda.

"Known to the authorities of Rome! And what will be the consequence ?" "Hush!" answered the confessor, laying his finger on his lips.