all of us are, at times, governed by circumstances, which we cannot
control; and he has heard enough of my situation, to conceive the
address which is necessary to control a garrison, composed of different
nations and religions, who are often mutinous, and at all times
discordant. I should scarcely at any other time have been so engaged,
but Mad. de la Tour, who is really too sincere a protestant to attend a
Catholic service, prevailed on me to be present at the marriage of her
favorite maid,--I might almost say companion,--with a young soldier, who
has long been distinguished by his fidelity in my service."

Before Stanhope could reply to this plausible explanation, their
attention was attracted by the sound of approaching voices, and the
sonorous tones of Mr. Broadhead, the Presbyterian minister, were
instantly recognized.

"I tell thee, boy," he said, "thou art in the broad way which leadeth to
destruction."

"Do you think so, father?" asked his companion, who was one of the
torch-bearers, and still carried the blazing insignium of his
office--"and what shall I do, to find my way out of it?"

"Abjure the devil and his works, if thou art desirous of returning to
the right path," he replied.

"You mean the pope and the church, I suppose," said the boy, in a tone
of simplicity; "like my lady's chaplain, who often edifies his hearers
on this topic."

"It would be well for thee to hearken to him, boy; and perchance it