Alvira felt happier in this lonely moment before the
Most Holy Sacrament. The fruit of years of penance, and the conquest
of turbulent, rebellious passions, have often been gained in moments
of fervor before the alter. Like sand, changed to transparent crystal
glass under the blow-pipe, the heart is melted and purified under the
fire of love that darts in invisible streams from the loving Victim
of the tabernacle.
The closing of the church door and the rattling of carriage wheels in
the direction of the Chaja close an eventful day, recorded in golden
letter in heaven's history of repentant humanity.
Chapter XXV.
Honor Saved.
A series of surprises followed this memorable conversion. Alvira's
absence from the garrison was the subject of serious comment. Rumor
was busy, and disposed of the young captain by every imaginable
violent death. One report seemed the most probable and gained ground.
It was thought the partisans of the defeated party, remembering the
victory of Vesuvius, and galled at the popularity of the young captain,
had waylaid and murdered him. At the same time the mangled body of
a young man was found washed into the river by the tide; it was
mutilated and disfigured beyond recognition; the populace claimed
it to be the body of their favorite, and loud and still rang the
indignant cry for vengeance. The city was in commotion. The
authorities were induced to believe the report, and large rewards were
offered for the apprehension of the murderers.
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