was giving Peter and Mrs. Jay some explanations of the scene before them, than a beautiful boy and girl came threading their way up the aisles to where they sat, and delivered a message from St. Cecilia to Laurens, inviting him to play her violoncello. This high distinction, Laurens, with his wonted modesty declined; but St. Perpetua laid her commands on him, speaking as one who had a right to decide for him his course of action, and with a pleased reluctance he was led by these graceful messengers, each one holding him by the hand, to the orchestra. As he ascended the steps, he was met by the beautiful saint, whose fame for music has filled the world. She was a being of dazzling beauty.* With a smile of inexpressible sweetness, she took Laurens' hand, and led him to his seat, when she presented him her violoncello. This done, she at once ascended the

St. Cecilia has been the admiration of the world for her beauty. That old Protestant, Fox, in his Martyrology (book i., A.D., 222) says of St. Cecilia, that having converted her husband, Valerien, and her brother, Tiburtius, to the faith of Christ, she was apprehended and brought to the idols to sacrifice, and refusing, was condemned to death. "In the meantime," says Fox, following the legends of the Roman church, "the sergeants and officers about her beholding her comely beauty, began with many persuasive words to solicit her to favor herself, and such excellent beauty, and not to cast herself away. But she replied to them with such reasons and godly exhortations, that, by the grace of Almighty God, their hearts began to kindle, and at length to yield to that religion which before they persecuted." She converted upwards of four hundred persons, and among them a noble named Gordian, before her martyrdom by the axe."

The tale of St. Cecilia is closely copied by Chaucer, in "The Second Nonne's Tale," from the golden legend of Jacob Jannensis. She was also the theme of St. Aldhelm's panegyric in his poem in praise of Virginity.

pedestal assigned her as the Corypheus of the choir. The overture was overpowering to both Peter and Mrs. Jay. They sat in breathless astonishment as they listened. Then came recitations celebrating the glory of Christ, not less eloquent in the thought than its expression, both alike perfect in the rendering. Of the themes sung, Perpetua kindly acted as the interpreter to her new-found friends.

There sat Laurens, his ear fondly inclined to his violoncello, listening with a pleased air to the sounds it gave forth at the sweep of his bow. It was nearly two hours, and it may have been more, the vesper service lasted, and yet no sign of weariness or exhaustion was shown by the choir or orchestra; for indeed none was felt, but rather a fresh inspiration of strength from on high. And when the whole audience rose in singing the Hymn to the Trinity, the divine presence was made manifest by a halo of light which filled the temple with ineffable glory.

Time was no more. The entire audience of saints and servitors rose and sang "Gloria in Excelsis." This ended, the Redeemed, unaided and alone,* sang their song, forever new-"Unto Him that hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

On leaving the temple, to their surprise, Perpetua and

* Revelations, xiv. 8.

our friends found it was night. The heavens were lit up with stars and moons. Filled with awe and love at what they had just witnessed, they went to the palace. Perpetua, having first commended Mrs. Jay and Peter to the hospitalities of the mayor of the palace, who received them with great consideration, left them for the night. They were shown into a spacious hall splendidly lighted, where they sat down conversing with Laurens on all they had seen during the day, till servitors of both sexes came to show them to their several apartments. Thus ended with our friends their first day spent in the delightful circles of this new world.

CHAPTER IV.

St. Perpetua sends Persis to Mrs. Jay with a Message-Their Conversation-The Idea of Married Life entertained by Persis-Her Admiration of Mrs. JayScenes on Silver Lake-Mrs. Jay joins Perpetua, who relates the Story of her Martyrdom at Carthage-Of her appearance before Hilarion-Scene in the Amphitheatre-Her Companions in Martyrdom-Of the Fathers of the ChurchThe Similarity of Pagan and Papal Religions in Social Life-St. Perpetua and Mrs. Jay are joined by Faustinus and Calliste, just returned after an Absence of fourteen Centuries-Their Colloquy with Mrs. Jay-Their Surprise at hearing of the Discovery of a "New World"-Mrs. Jay describes her meeting Satan, the "Architect of Ruin "-Faustinus's Account of the New World whence he has returned-Public Opinion in Rome, A.D. 880-Roman Society of the Fourth Century-Calliste tells the Story of her Conversion; her Interviews with St. Paul, of her Trials and Martyrdom.

THE next day, Mrs. Jay, as she was walking through a long gallery of paintings, was waited upon by a young native girl, with a message from St. Perpetua, to bring Mrs. Jay to an island, which was a favorite haunt of hers, in Silver Lake.

As she walked with the sweet girl through the garden, Mrs. Jay inquired of her her name and duties in the palace. The girl replied, "My name is Persis, which name St. Perpetua gave me while an infant. I have

grown up under her care, and she has taught me your tongue, that it might be useful to such of our visitants as come from England and America."

"What is your age, Persis ?"

"I am almost eighteen, and then I shall be marriageable."

This was said with a joyousness which spoke more of earth than anything Mrs. Jay had heard for a long time.

"Is it possible that your happiness can be enhanced by being married?" cried Mrs. Jay, with much astonish"I thought," she continued, "angels neither marry nor are given in marriage."

ment.

"O yes, angels; but I am so glad I'm not an angel; for I cannot conceive how any one can but be happier for loving and being loved," said the girl with earnest

ness.

"It may be so in this world,” replied Mrs. Jay; "but in my world the wider the target of our bosoms, the more sure are the shafts of death to pierce the heart."

"What a world that must be!" said Persis, with a look of painful surprise. "All such ideas are so terrible to me, if indeed I do rightly appreciate the thoughts expressed. No skill of mine can reach the profundities. opened to my mind while I listen to what is told of your world; only this, that by some surpassing manifestation of the mercy of God, outcasts from holiness and heaven