"And was it for her religion that you persecuted her?"
"Persecuted her! Why, Adelaide, how dare you apply such words to your father? Your mother was never persecuted; even when out of her mind she had everything she asked for, and as I tell you, a Catholic priest attended her the other evening. Persecuted, indeed!"
Adelaide cared not to pursue a theme which brought her out as her father's accuser, though the impression still remained on her mind that injustice had occasioned the illness and subsequent death of her mother, and this prevented her from recalling the offending words.
The father and daughter parted somewhat coldly that evening, nor were matters much mended by the family consultation held shortly afterward as to what was to become of Annie. Sir Philip's message was now first delivered to her, as Alfred Brookbank had arrived as his agent, with offers of settlement for Mr. Godfrey's approbation.
"And is Annie not to see her own children again?" asked the duchess, as she gazed on the speechless, the agonized face of her sister.
"So says Sir Philip."
"But have you reasoned with him on the subject? Have you protested against such a monstrous piece of tyranny?"
"It were useless, may it please your grace," interposed the soft low tones of Alfred Brookbank, who was secretly gloating in the agony of his victim. "It were perfectly useless. Sir Philip's hatred of papistry—"
"Please to speak with more respect of the Holy Catholic Church, Mr. Brookbank," interrupted the duchess.