"Should Heaven permit them to be vanquished—should they be taken captive—may they be spared the cruel fate that befel so many, who, in by-gone days, fought in the same righteous cause, and suffered death for their loyalty and devotion."
This supplication, uttered in sorrowful tones, produced a powerful impression upon all the hearers.
"Why have you drawn this sad picture, mamma?" said Monica, half reproachfully.
"I could not repress my feelings, my child. A terrible scene perpetually rises before me, and I feel it will haunt me to the last."
"Have you witnessed such a scene, mamma?" cried her daughter, trembling. "You have never spoken of it to me?"
"I have often wished to do so, but I felt the description would give you pain. Are you equal to it now, do you think?"
"Yes," she replied, with attempted firmness, but quivering lip.
"And you, Constance?" said Mrs. Butler.
"I can listen to you, aunt," rejoined Constance, in tones that did not falter.
Before commencing, Mrs. Butler consulted Father Jerome by a glance, and his counsel to her was conveyed in these words, "Better relieve your mind, madam."