her former self must be buried,--yea, buried quick, if need be,--but
never more to make sign, or utter cry on earth! She has become a
Poor Clare, in order that, by perpetual penance and constant service
of others, she may at length so act as to obtain final absolution and
rest for her soul. Until then, the innocent must suffer. It is to
plead for the innocent that I come to you; not in the name of the
witch, Bridget Fitzgerald, but of the penitent and servant of all
men, the Poor Clare, Sister Magdalen."

"Sir," said I, "I listen to your request with respect; only I may
tell you it is not needed to urge me to do all that I can on behalf
of one, love for whom is part of my very life. If for a time I have
absented myself from her, it is to think and work for her redemption.
I, a member of the English Church--my uncle, a Puritan--pray morning
and night for her by name: the congregations of London, on the next
Sabbath, will pray for one unknown, that she may be set free from the
Powers of Darkness. Moreover, I must tell you, sir, that those evil
ones touch not the great calm of her soul. She lives her own pure
and loving life, unharmed and untainted, though all men fall off from
her. I would I could have her faith!"

My uncle now spoke.

"Nephew," said he, "it seems to me that this gentleman, although
professing what I consider an erroneous creed, has touched upon the
right point in exhorting Bridget to acts of love and mercy, whereby
to wipe out her sin of hate and vengeance. Let us strive after our
fashion, by almsgiving and visiting of the needy and fatherless, to
make our prayers acceptable. Meanwhile, I myself will go down into
the north, and take charge of the maiden. I am too old to be daunted