Part 9 (1/2)
”Indeed, my dear friend,” said the count, ”I feel that my own life is so uncertain, and should I be taken away, my daughter would be left without a protector in whom I could place confidence, that I desire forthwith to commit her to your care. You will, I know, devote yourself to her, and, as far as a human being has power, defend her from all dangers.”
Nigel grasped the count's hand, and with a proud joy at his heart, promised not to disappoint his expectations. He took no vain oath: he did not call on G.o.d to witness that he intended to fulfil his promise, for he and the count knew that what he uttered was heard in heaven, and required no other ratification. Constance willingly agreed to her father's wishes, and it was settled that in a few days the marriage ceremony should be performed by their minister and friend, Monsieur Laporte. Their love was mutual and equally intense, and they felt that they could together face the dangers of many sorts surrounding them far better than apart. Constance implicitly confided in Nigel, and he felt unspeakable pride and joy in having the power of supporting and protecting her.
CHAPTER NINE.
PROCEEDINGS OF ”THE INQUISITION.”
Ten days had pa.s.sed since Nigel and Constance were united. He had not ventured beyond the precincts of the garden; and it might have been supposed that Captain Villegagnon had forgotten his existence, as no order had been sent him to join his s.h.i.+p. He intended, should he receive one again, to plead the admiral's permission to quit the service, Coligny having indeed accepted his resignation. As long, however, as he was not interfered with he resolved to remain quiet. He employed his time in a.s.sisting the count in the cultivation of the ground, and in devising plans for the future. Rumours were abroad that the governor intended on the arrival of fresh colonists to found a town on the north side of the harbour, to be named Nitherohy. The count determined to move there, and to purchase a plot of land on which to build a residence and form an estate, as he hoped before that time to receive remittances from his steward.
”I should not have thought of it, my dear Nigel, had it not been for you and Constance,” he observed. ”Though as regards myself all worldly pride and ambition have been laid aside, I should like to see you the master of a property suitable to your birth and education.”
The idea was naturally consonant with Nigel's wishes, and he promised to labour hard in bringing the proposed estate into cultivation.
”It will afford me ample employment for the future,” he observed; ”and employment, of course, I must have.”
Tec.u.mah and Cora had during this time made frequent visits to the island. Tec.u.mah was welcomed by the governor, as he was always well informed of the movements of the Portuguese and hostile Indians, besides having already rendered important services to the colony. The governor only looked on him in the light of an intelligent young savage and a faithful ally to the French. He had, however, already advanced in a knowledge of Christian truth, and had become an earnest and believing follower of the Lord. He one day came over to report that a party of the Tuparas had been seen on the high ground beyond the southern extremity of the harbour, making their way to the Portuguese settlement.
He advised that boats should be sent out and advanced posts stationed, to give due notice of an attack, should one be contemplated. These arrangements having been made, the governor invited Tec.u.mah to accompany him in a walk to a part of the island which he was about to visit. The strains of solemn music reached their ears. Tec.u.mah attentively listened with much delight, and inquired whence they proceeded.
”The ministers of our religion are performing a sacred service, my friend,” answered the governor. ”If you please, we will enter and pay our devotions to the Holy Virgin and saints.”
”I thought that Christians wors.h.i.+p G.o.d alone,” observed the Indian.
”Of course, so we do,” said the governor; ”but we wors.h.i.+p also, in a different way, the mother of G.o.d and His holy saints and apostles.”
”I have heard that G.o.d is a jealous G.o.d, and will have none other G.o.ds wors.h.i.+pped but Himself,” said the Indian.
”But the mother of G.o.d; surely He will have us wors.h.i.+p her?” observed the governor.
”The Bible does not say so,” answered Tec.u.mah, boldly, ”When Jesus hung on the cross He said to John, 'Behold thy mother,' and to His mother, 'Behold thy son;' and looking round on His disciples, He once observed, when He was told that His mother and brethren were near, 'Behold My mother, and My brethren.'”
”Where did you learn all that?” asked the governor, in an angry tone.
”From one of your good ministers; and I am sure he spoke the truth,”
answered Tec.u.mah, innocently.
”He shall suffer for it,” muttered the governor.
They had just then reached the door of the church, and Tec.u.mah followed the governor, who went up towards the so-called ”holy altar.” The Indian gazed around with astonishment at the gorgeous drapery, the images, the lighted candles, and the large silver crucifix, with the figure of the Virgin on one side, and Saint John on the other, and the vases of flowers, and numerous other ornaments. He said not a word during the whole ceremony, but watched attentively what took place.
There was the usual chanting in Latin, and so-called prayers muttered over in the same language; while the church was filled with incense from censers waved to and fro. Then, during a solemn silence, the chief officiating priest lifted up something (what it was he could not make out) above his head. He then observed that they put something into their mouths and drank wine, which they had mixed with water from a silver cup. Then the people came up and the priests put something into their mouths, and there was more chanting and prayers in an unknown tongue. Then those who had been on their knees rose and filed out of the church, laughing and talking and making jokes with each other.
Tec.u.mah followed the governor, anxious to know what had taken place, and inquired what the priests were about when they muttered prayers over the silver dish and wine.
”They were then performing the greatest miracle of our Church,” answered the governor. ”They were converting the wafer and wine into the body and blood of Christ.”
”What?” asked the Indian. ”Christ has a.s.sumed His glorified body, and is now in heaven at the right hand of G.o.d. Which body, may I ask, do they think they eat, His human body or His glorified body? I cannot understand the matter.”
”Nor can I enlighten you,” answered the governor, looking much perplexed. ”I am not fond of having such questions put to me.”
”Pardon me if I ask one more,” said the Indian, who was eager to gain information on the subject. ”What were they doing when they lifted the wafer above their heads?”