"I tell you my supposition--mind, it is no assertion of the fact--in order that you may go the more cheerfully on your way, not deeming yourself burdened with any responsibility as concerns this dark deed.

And now, daughter, what have you to give in return for an old man's kindness and sympathy ?" "My grateful remembrance," said Hilda, fervently, "as long as I live!" "And nothing more ?" the priest inquired, with a persuasive smile.

"Will you not reward him with a great joy; one of the last joys that he may know on earth, and a fit one to take with him into the better world?
In a word, will you not allow me to bring you as a stray lamb into the true fold?
You have experienced some little taste of the relief and comfort which the Church keeps abundantly in store for all its faithful children.

Come home, dear child,--poor wanderer, who hast caught a glimpse of the heavenly light,--come home, and be at rest." "Father," said Hilda, much moved by his kindly earnestness, in which, however, genuine as it was, there might still be a leaven of professional craft, "I dare not come a step farther than Providence shall guide me.

Do not let it grieve you, therefore, if I never return to the confessional; never dip my fingers in holy water; never sign my bosom with the cross.