Florence sprung to her feet, and shuddered at the sound of his low, soft voice. The Padre marked the shudder, and the uneasy look which accompanied it: "Padre, I have confessed, and I have prayed to almost every saint in the Calendar, and I have had your prayers in addition to my own; yet I find no comfort. No joy has stolen to my heart, as you promised it inevitably would."
"My daughter, if peace has not descended on thy spirit, I fear you have not been devout. Tell me truly if you have not doubted in matters of faith, for our most holy Mother ever grants the prayers of her faithful and loving children?"
"I have searched the Bible, and I nowhere find authority for invoking saints or the Virgin."
"I can convince you, without doubt, that there is such authority--nay, command."
"'Tis useless, you may save yourself the trouble; for my mind is clearly made up that we have not even the sanction of the Fathers."
"Holy Mary, pardon her unbelief, and send down light into her darkened soul!"
Florence fixed her eyes full upon him, and replied--"Christ expressly declares 'I am the light, I am the life.'"
"Daughter, your heretic cousin has done you a great injury. May God protect you, and forgive her blasphemy."
"She needs no forgiveness, for she is pure in heart before God, and truthful in all things."
The swarthy cheek of the Italian flushed--"Florence, you and your aunt must come and stay at my house till it is safe here; and, I doubt not when you are at leisure to hear me, you will duly repent your hasty speeches. I shall pray God and our Lady to give you a more trusting, believing heart, and intercede with the blessed saints for your entire conversion."
"Not so, Father Mazzolin; we shall leave this place in a very few days, and I have come to bid adieu to the grave of my father: leave me, for I wish to be alone and in peace."
"Do you doubt my will or ability to protect you, my daughter? Beneath my roof no danger can assail."
"We have fully decided to go from here, and further reasoning or entreaty would be vain; accept, however, my thanks for your proffered kindness."
"Girl, you have gone too far! Hear me while I am placable, for I tell you now, without my consent, you cannot--shall not leave here."