He then
leaped into the skiff, which sank as he swiftly transferred to his own
vessel its two occupants.
Before another hour was over, Jean, stretched on a pallet, was receiving
the attention of loving hands in a cell of the Lihou monastery.
CHAPTER V.
AFFLICTION.
"The race of Thor and Odin
Held their battles by my side,
And the blood of man was mingling
Warmly with my chilly tide."
_Danube and the Euxine_.--AYTOUN.
Father Austin received his pupil's companion with the courtesy due to
her distress, but with much misgiving. After tending his patient, whose
situation was critical, he paced thoughtfully towards the cell in which
he had placed her, revolving in his mind the difficulties of the case.
His amazement was intense when he slowly opened the door. The maiden was
kneeling, her back towards him; before her was the little picture of the
Madonna; she was praying aloud; her words were simple but passionately
pathetic; she threw herself and her lover upon the mercy of the Holy
Mother with a trust so absolute, a confidence so infinite, that the monk
could hardly refrain from tears.
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