of the future, but Miss Arundel shook her head.

"I do not agree with my aunt, at least as regards this country," said
Miss Arundel; "I think our sins are too great. We left His Church, and
God is now leaving us."

Lothair looked grave, but was silent.

Weeks had passed since his introduction to the family of Lord St.
Jerome, and it was remarkable how large a portion of his subsequent time
had passed under that roof. At first there were few persons in town,
and really of these Lothair knew none; and then the house in St. James's
Square was not only an interesting but it was an agreeable house. All
Lady St. Jerome's family connections were persons of much fashion, so
there was more variety and entertainment than sometimes are to be found
under a Roman Catholic roof. Lady St. Jerome was at home every evening
before Easter. Few dames can venture successfully on so decided a step;
but her saloons were always attended, and by "nice people."
Occasionally the cardinal stepped in, and, to a certain degree, the
saloon was the rendezvous of the Catholic party; but it was also
generally social and distinguished. Many bright dames and damsels, and
many influential men, were there, who little deemed that deep and daring
thoughts were there masked by many a gracious countenance. The social
atmosphere infinitely pleased Lothair. The mixture of solemn duty and
graceful diversion, high purposes and charming manners, seemed to
realize some youthful dreams of elegant existence. All, too, was
enhanced by the historic character of the roof and by the recollection
that their mutual ancestors, as Clare Arundel more than once intimated
to him, had created England. Having had so many pleasant dinners in St.
James's Square, and spent there so many evening hours, it was not