"This is certainly material enough to devise a snare for him. Oh, Severinus, throw these papers into the fire, and I will revere you as a saint!"
"It will only cost you a few words, Cornelia. Say, 'I will become a Catholic,' and these papers are yours!"
Cornelia drew herself up proudly. "I have already told you that I would drive no bargain with my convictions. This is my final resolution!"
"Noble woman!" thought Severinus, gazing at her in astonishment.
Cornelia gathered up the documents, restored them to the priest, then clasped her hands, and gazed into his face with her irresistible charm. "Severinus, give me these papers."
A long pause ensued. The priest was absorbed in watching the beautiful face, and made no reply.
Cornelia took his hand; he started back.
"Severinus, for once, be more obedient to the law of love and forbearance God has written in our hearts, than the stern commands of your order; destroy these proofs of Heinrich's, and also your, dishonor,--or give them to me that I may do so. You do not answer! Oh, let my entreaties move you, dear, honored friend!"
Severinus covered his eyes with his hand, and exclaimed, almost imploringly: "Cease, Cornelia; you know not what you are doing."
"I am well aware of it,--I am torturing you; for I am bringing you into a conflict with what you believe to be your duty. I see the struggle between your Jesuit's conscience and your heart. True, genuine manhood will conquer; it will burst the fetters in which your whole life is bound."