She had never thought of comparing it with hers, which, indeed, she had no longer an opportunity of doing, for the cunning Allegra, so long as Millicent retained the old Bible, under various pretexts, never again returned her own.

54

CHAPTER III.

IT is to be supposed that Millicent did not attend mass usually in the chapel of the convent, but, being devotedly fond of music, she was permitted by the superior to attend the service whenever she felt disposed.

The chapel of the convent, in the interior, was singularly beautiful. The ornaments were neither elaborate in the execution of their workmanship, or too numerous; and the effect of the whole, on entering that portal, where many a one had taken vows which caused them to pass into a state of comparative oblivion, was that of a chaste and simple temple. Six statues of the apostles adorned each side of the middle aisle, at the extremity of which was a very old and curiously-painted window, representing the martyrdom of St. - the altar-piece was a very beautiful

painting of the Holy Family, by a celebrated master. The altar-plate, consisting of massive candlesticks, incense-burner, &c. &c., were of beautifully-wrought silver, as was the chalice, and several other vessels used in the celebration of high mass. The covering of the recess in which the consecrated host was enclosed, was of carved ivory; the altar was covered with azure blue, and over it a hanging of the most costly lace. A Madonna, with the infant Jesus, cast in silver and enclosed in glass, several relics encased, a very splendid picture of St. Genevieve, and smaller ones of St. Anna and St. Elizabeth, &c. &c., were amongst the decorations of the chapel walls.

The floor was of black and white marble in small mosaic; curious, but not striking in its effect. The benitier and font were of the purest white marble, as were several tombs erected over the remains of some, whom a religion that God never gave to man had robbed of the tears of those whom Heaven taught them to love.

On the fête-day of the saint esteemed the patroness of the convent, Millicent went, for

the first time, to the vespers in the chapel. It was winter, and the light of the lamps, which threw a faint gleam over all, gave an impressive solemnity to the scene. Perhaps there exists not under the broad vault of heaven aught that is so captivating to the senses as the Roman Catholic form of worship. The beauty of the churches, a prostrate multitude, the melody of the choir, the apparent devotion of the people, and the deep mystery which seems to pervade the whole, is very fascinating; and there are not a few who have dated their proselytism to the Church of Rome, (as the author once heard a Roman friar who renounced Roman Catholicism remark,) to being witness to the imposing church-service of the Church of Rome.

ear;

As Millicent entered the chapel the thrilling notes of the most beautiful music met her and as she gazed over this place of worship, and beheld the beauty of its adornments-the noble simplicity of its architecture the kneeling suppliants at the footstool of God-those who had professed that, for the sake of another and eternal world, they had

for ever renounced even the permitted enjoyments of the present-and, above all, saw unveiled a picture of the Redeemer in his agonies-she felt as if immovable, and could not help saying within herself, "I feel certain there is a God; and if there be, how little worship do I give him in comparison of those before me!"

The Latin service was not unwelcome to Millicent, who was perfectly familiar with that language. Some of the psalms forcibly struck her. Their lofty ascriptions of all things to the Lord God Omnipotent have often made great impression even upon those yet strangers unto his love. She listened to the service with considerable pleasure, and when she left the chapel, it was with the feeling that, whatever it was to others, the Roman Catholic service was to her extremely devout and pleasing. Unaccustomed as she was to any feeling of regard for religion, it is not to be wondered at that she was agreeably disappointed, or perhaps I should rather say surprised, to find that religion could be even in any measure agreeable to her. She ex