"
"The railways will do as much for mankind as the monasteries
did," said Stephen.
"Had it not been for the railway, we should never have made
our visit to Marney Abbey," said the elder of the travellers.
"Nor seen its last abbot's tomb," said the Religious. "When I
marked your name upon the stone, my father;--woe is me. but I
felt sad indeed, that it was reserved for our blood to
surrender to ruthless men that holy trust."
"He never surrendered," said her father. "He was tortured and
hanged."
"He is with the communion of saints," said the Religious.
"I would I could see a communion of Men," said Stephen, "and
then there would be no more violence, for there would be no
more plunder."
"You must regain our lands for us, Stephen," said the
Religious; "promise me my father that I shall raise a holy
house for pious women, if that ever hap."
"We will not forget our ancient faith," said her father, "the
only old thing that has not left us."
"I cannot understand," said Stephen, "why you should ever have
lost sight of these papers, Walter."
"You see, friend, they were never in my possession; they were
never mine when I saw them. They were my father's; and he was
jealous of all interference.
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