As, however, five years had elapsed since her last pregnancy, the people, under the influence of that delusion which leads men to believe what they wish, had ceased to entertain any apprehension that she would give an heir to the throne.

On the other hand, nothing seemed more natural and probable than that the Jesuits should have contrived a pious fraud.

It was certain that they must consider the accession of the Princess of Orange as one of the greatest calamities which could befall their Church.

It was equally certain that they would not be very scrupulous about doing whatever might be necessary to save their Church from a great calamity.

In books written by eminent members of the Society, and licensed by its rulers, it was distinctly laid down that means even more shocking to all notions of justice and humanity than the introduction of a spurious heir into a family might lawfully be employed for ends less important than the conversion of a heretical kingdom.