'What! do you doubt my virtue?' asked the Countess.
'Pish! I fear something different. You understand me. Mr. Duflian's moral reputation is none of the best, perhaps.'
'That was before he renegaded,' said the Countess.
Harriet bluntly rejoined: 'You will leave that house a Roman Catholic.'
'Now you have spoken,' said the Countess, pluming. ' Now let me explain myself. My dear, I have fought worldly battles too long and too earnestly. I am rightly punished. I do but quote Herbert Duffian's own words: he is no flatterer though you say he has such soft fingers. I am now engaged in a spiritual contest. He is very wealthy! I have resolved to rescue back to our Church what can benefit the flock of which we form a portion, so exceedingly!'
At this revelation of the Countess's spiritual contest, Mrs. Andrew shook a worldly head.
'You have no chance with men there, Louisa.'
'My Harriet complains of female weakness!'
'Yes. We are strong in our own element, Louisa. Don't be tempted out of it.'
Sublime, the Countess rose: