too weak to oppose your orders."

He strove to force her out, but she clung firmly to the bed; and
muttering an oath between his teeth, he turned to the sufferer, and
spoke in an unknown tongue; a feeble response in the same language
seemed to satisfy him, and darting a triumphant glance at the kneeling
girl, he seated himself, and conversed for nearly an hour. Then
offering up a Latin prayer, departed, promising to come again.

Mrs. Carlton had not left the house; she waited anxiously for Mary.
And when Florence re-entered the sick room, the former hastened to her
friend.

"Oh, I did all I could to prevent it!" cried Mary, in despair. "All
is over, I am afraid. I was sitting on the doorstep, preparing some
arrowroot, when I saw Aunt Lizzy go out the gate. I thought it strange
at the time of day, but never suspected the truth. Presently I saw her
coming back with the priest, and knew in an instant she had gone for
him. I was determined to prevent his seeing my uncle, if possible, and
fastened the front door. Before I could lock my uncle's, he wrenched
open the window, and sprang in. I tried to put the key in my pocket,
and told him he could not go in then; but he made Aunt Lizzy hold one
of my hands, while he forced open my fingers and took the key. Oh!
that Dr. Bryant had been here." She showed Mrs. Carlton the marks of
his grasp on her wrist. "Tell, oh, tell me what I can do to save him!"

"Alas! nothing, Mary. He is completely under the control of the Padre,
and no reasoning will avail him now."

With a sad heart Mrs. Carlton took leave, advising Mary "to offer no