1831. J a Tale of tht Inquisition. 35 



admitted into the order and received the tonsure. The example of a 

 sinner voluntarily quitting the world to return to the bosom of the 

 church, and Ijestow on it his property, was too flattering not to be 

 welcomed with exultation instead of punishment. 



Scarce a year had elapsed ere the monotony of a convent life palled 

 upon Miranda, and he secretly wished himself in some active employ. 

 It chanced that the convent had business of importance to transact in 

 the capital. The choice fell on ]\Iiranda ; they were aware of his 

 experience and talent — he, therefore, set out for Madrid, furnished with 

 the necessary commission. Every eye was fixed on the prudent and 

 energetic monk, and the convent was congratulated on having so 

 discreet and useful a member amongst their number. In the mean 

 time JMiranda formed an acquaintance with the Grand Inquisitor, who 

 soon conceived such a high opinion of him, that he offered him a 

 situation at the tribunal of the Inquisition. Since love had vanished 

 from Miranda's breast, he appeared as though created for a cold-hearted 

 cruel judge, who could weigh and condemn, not according to the 

 actions of man, but from the innermost thoughts of the soul. The 

 immense power over the lives and happiness of his fellow-creatures, 

 now placed in his hands, excited his haughty spirit. He obtained the 

 consent of his convent, and became a member of the dreadful tribunal. 

 The work of horror and misery he was now engaged in, shed a kind of 

 savage joy over his heart, which was filled with hatred against all 

 mankind — so that the inquisitor had rarely to boast of so stern and heart- 

 less a coadjutor. 



Henrico de St. Lorent had now lived several years in tranquillity 

 with his Mira. They were little aware of the evil spirit which wandered 

 about to seek them out, and effect their ruin. They thought AJiranda 

 long since mouldered in the dust, or they Avould not have given way 

 to the irresistible desire which possessed them of visiting Spain, to 

 which IMira was prompted by the desire of finding out her mother ; 

 and Henrico by his promise of seeking out Isabella, and delivering the 

 ring of one who was now laid low in the grave. They arrived at 

 Madrid, determined to remain there some time to prosecute their 

 mutual researches. One day as they were passing by the Convent of 

 the Sisters of iNIercy, IMira stood as though rooted to the portal, and 

 assured her husband that this, and no other, must be the convent to 

 which she had been so often conducted when a child. They entered 

 the church, and had not been there long, ere Henrico felt some one 

 touch his hand. On looking round he observed it was a lay-sister of 

 the convent, he looked at her first with astonishment, but when she 

 called him familiarly by his name, he recognised, by her voice, INIira's 

 mother. INIira remembered her the moment she spoke, flew into her 

 arms, and called her by the tender name of mother ! But Zagurina led 

 her hastily out of the church, where she, in her turn, gave way to the 

 delight which overcame her. " I praise God that I see you again," 

 said slie, " but leave me, my children ! I have sacred duties to perform 

 on which depends your future felicity. Tell me where you live ; early 

 to-morrow I will be with you !" She dismissed them hastily, entreating 

 them to remain tranquil till she saw them again. 



The woof of fate was now being fast spun out : it so happened that 

 a few minutes after they separated, Miranda came out of the Palace of 

 the Inquisition, and recognised the well-known forms before him. 



F 2 



