Raymonds-the "Bloody Hand," and it seems to point to Her. That " 'Bloody Hand" was, in fact, the weak point of Sir Paulet Raymond : he had always insisted that Garter King-atArms had feloniously borrowed that badge of. the baronetage from the shield of the Raymonds. They had always borne the "Bloody Hand," from time immemorial, when Geoffroi de Raymond, of the "Red Hand," carried it on his banner at Ascalon; consequently the "Bloody Hand" was everywhere displayed in gules and or, on doors, windows, walls, bed canopies, mantel pieces, tapestries, and banners. The prince in the White Cat never had a more numerous attendance, nor a successful candidate a greater show of hands, than the master of Raymond Bury. There he sits, and tears are gathering in those dark eyes; and these few murmured words, "My Magdalene, my sainted Magdalene," have reference, of course, to the picture. A low gentle knock at the door rouses the melancholy, meditative gentleman: he tries to draw the heavy red damask curtain over the portrait, but can only catch up one end of

it, for the purpose of concealment.

He has an

objection to being suspected of the weakness of grief. He says, "Come in," and is, apparently, engaged in perusing a large parchment sheet of cramped writing: he raises his eyes to the new comer, a man of lofty stature, taller than Sir Paulet, but less erect; his hair is silver white; and the tonsure, and the dark clerical dress, denote that Father Clifford is in holy orders. He is a Roman Catholic priest; and between him and Sir Paulet one might trace a sufficient resemblance to warrant a relationship; but the dark and stern look of the baronet is softened down, in the priest, to one of thoughtful earnestness; and where the knitted brow, the lofty forehead, and firmly compressed lip of Sir Paulet express pride, haughtiness, obstinacy, and defiance, in Father Clifford they more gracefully wear the impress of dignity, firmness, and resolution; and, though his senior, the mildlooking ecclesiastic has greatly the advantage of the morose layman in point of good looks.

"I have waited for you," said Sir Paulet to the priest; but the latter, instead of replying,

seated himself, and fixed his eye on his supposed patron. "Have you come to any decision yet?" continued the baronet.

"Do you still persist in this strange, and let me add, this unjust distribution of your property?" inquired Clifford.

"Can you wonder if I choose to enrich the heir who will inherit the family honours, who will worthily uphold our name, and cleave to the ancient faith of his forefathers? You can be no true son of the church if you counsel me to lavish wealth on the heretic boy, the recusant scion of our house, who forsakes, and no doubt reviles, our holy religion."

"And it is the child of Magdalene Everard whom you purpose to disinherit, and whose birthright you withhold. And by what right

let me ask you?"

"By the right which our church gives to a parent in this emergency."

"A right not recognised in this country, and the deed you wish me to sign is invalid; the fortune of Lady Raymond must revert to her second son on the day that he attains his