pulpit against Popery, which does not exist in this colony, and the
Pretender, who is at present in Italy. Wrap a dozen black sheep of
inferior breed in white sheets and set them arow at the church door, but
make it stuff of the conscience to see no blemish in the wealthier and
more honorable portion of your flock. So you will thrive, and come to be
inducted into your living, whether in Virginia or some other quarter of
the globe. What's the worthy Bishop's next demand? Hasten, for Hugon is
coming this morning, and there's settlement to be made of a small bet, and
a hand at cards."

By the circular letter and the lips of Audrey the Bishop proceeded to
propound a series of questions, which the minister answered with
portentous glibness. In the midst of an estimate of the value of a living
in a sweet-scented parish a face looked in at the window, and a dark and
sinewy hand laid before Audrey a bunch of scarlet columbine.

"The rock was high," said a voice, "and the pool beneath was deep and
dark. Here are the flowers that waved from the rock and threw colored
shadows upon the pool."

The girl shrank as from a sudden and mortal danger. Her lips trembled, her
eyes half closed, and with a hurried and passionate gesture she rose from
her chair, thrust from her the scarlet blooms, and with one lithe movement
of her body put between her and the window the heavy writing table. The
minister laid by his sum in arithmetic.

"Ha, Hugon, dog of a trader!" he cried. "Come in, man. Hast brought the
skins? There's fire-water upon the table, and Audrey will be kind. Stay to
dinner, and tell us what lading you brought down river, and of your
kindred in the forest and your kindred in Monacan-Town."