Meanwhile, during his conference with L'Isle and Lady Mabel, old
Moodie stood near, eyeing him with sinister looks, as if he had been
the inventor, not the victim, of the popish system, and all its
corruptions rested on his head. The old man now urged them to take
horse, and allowed them no respite from his bustling interference
until the party was again on the road.
The friar watched their motions with interest; and when, after
crossing the valley and ascending the hill before them, Lady Mabel
turned to take a last look at the ruinous old venda, she saw him still
standing like a statue in the archway, doubtless with eye and thought
following their steps.
"I am afraid," said L'Isle, "that our young gownsman will have to
undergo a ruinous conflict in the struggle between his nature and his
fate. His is the worst possible condition for a man of vigorous
character and inquiring mind. He has not arrived at his convictions,
but had prematurely thrust upon him the convictions he is professedly
bound to hold."
"And you have helped him into the conflict," said Lady Mabel, "without
staying to see him through it."
"I trust not. But, anyhow, it would have come.
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