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AT ST. COLUMBA.
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had views of her own to accomplish, and she asked leave to go for a draught of fresh water. The length of her absence was unnoticed by Dulsibella, while melancholy thoughts of her own situation engrossed her attention. She knew that she was regarded as a heretic by her father and all around him; yet she felt a firm conviction, that to surrender life itself in defence of her religious opinions was a bounden duty. During the existence of her grandmother none dared to question her; there seemed to be a tacit compact on both sides not to agitate inquiries that could end only in discord; but the restraining spirit had ascended to happier regions, and she dreaded some terrible concussion when her father returned. Her grandmother indeed had assured her she had taken effectual measures to save her from persecution.

"By what means?" asked the weeping, yet determined martyr.

The Baroness was too much debilitated to make explanations. Dulsibella brushed away her tears, as a hasty step broke off her reverie. Alice appeared. "My lady! my dear lady!" she said, "I have just met the brandy messenger on the stairs going away. He has made the old folks blind drunk; and if they attempt to move before they take a nap with their muddled heads on the table, they must fall on the floor.

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