“I do not confess to have done anything wrong.”
“This is useless. You were seen by me and others. What will avail your denial? Are you aware of the punishment which most surely awaits you, if you do not confess, and become a member of our Church?”
“Why am I to become a member of your Church? Do you then punish those who refuse?”
“No; had you not already consented to receive baptism, you would not have been asked to become so; but, having been baptised, you must now become a member, or be supposed to fall back into heresy.”
“I knew not the nature of your baptism at that time.”
“Granted; but you consented to it.”
“Be it so. But pray, what may be the punishment, if I refuse?”
“You will be burnt alive at the stake; nothing can save you. Hear me, Amine Vanderdecken: when next summoned, you must confess all; and, asking pardon, request to be received into the Church; then will you be saved, and you will—”
“What?”
“Again be clasped in Philip’s arms.”