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And, not content with being myself a spectator and a lover of the cruel sports, I did all in my power to persuade others to do the same."

"And how were your eyes opened to perceive the sin and the inhumanity of those fearful spectacles, Alypius ?" inquired Monica.

The colour rose on the young man's cheek and brow as he replied:

"It was the recollection of a gentle face that I saw first at the Circus at Alexandria. It rose up before my mind while I was in the Colosseum, pale and agonized, as I had seen it there; and I thought what the expression on those lovely features would have been if she had been where I then was, and could have seen me gazing with wild joy on a spectacle that had once filled my breast with horror and disgust, equal even to her own. I left the Colosseum without waiting for the combats to be concluded; and I have never entered a theatre since that day, nor will I ever do so again."

"Your mother would rejoice to know that you have made such a resolution, Alypius. Did you not also think of her, and of what she would have felt had she known of your frenzied enjoyment in such a scene of cruelty ?"

"I did think of her after I had left the Colosseum and returned to my lodging. I did wonder how I, the son of such a mother, could have acquired such tastes, and have acted in so insane a manner. Monica, I wish that I were worthy of my mother, and Augustine worthy of you."

CHAPTER X.

HE night was dark and still. No sound broke the silence, except the soft rippling of the waves upon the

pebbly beach, and the measured footfalls of a small party, who, shrouded in long mantles, and carrying a lantern, left the streets of Alexandria and proceeded by a narrow alley, that led them through gardens and orchards, until they reached the open plain beyond. Many ruins of ancient buildings were scattered over this plain; and towards one of these the party advanced, slowly and carefully following one of their number, who bore the lantern, and seemed to be their guide. He led the way among scattered stones, and tangled weeds and bushes, until he reached some low rocks, on the slope of which stood the broken remains of a small but massive temple.

Long grass and trailing creepers nearly covered the rocky foundation of this ancient building; but a close observer might have traced a narrow and winding path through the weeds and herbage, and a somewhat artificial arrangement of the pendent creepers on the spot to which that pathway led.

To this spot the guide led the three female forms that followed him. The place looked gloomy and forbidding; and one of the females drew back, as if in terror or in doubt. A few words, however, from one of her companions, seemed to reassure her; and the whole party entered the ruined temple,

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THE GUIDE LEADING THE WAY TO THE MEETING OF CHRISTIANS.-PAGE 86.

and descended a flight of rude steps that conducted them into a wide and spacious chamber in the centre of which a number of persons were assembled.

Several torches were fastened against the pillars, and cast a wild and flickering light around, while the smoke rose to the roof, and formed a thick cloud above. It was a gloomy place for a social meeting; and yet the countenances of the group that was gathered together in the cavern were expressive of peace, and joy, and gratitude.

The mantles in which the features of the three females had been almost concealed, were now withdrawn; and Marcella, taking Medora by the hand, addressed a venerable-looking man who had approached to greet her, and who looked at the lovely maiden with much surprise.

"This, Mandatus, is my daughter, Medora. I do not bring her here to join in our worship. For that, I grieve to say, she is yet unprepared. Still I bring her in hope-for, thanks be to God, some of her prejudices against our holy faith have been shaken; and she is willing to know more of our doctrines, and to see more of our practice. May it please the Lord to give her the same conviction which has entered into my own heart, and to make her a more faithful and courageous servant of the Redeemer than I can ever hope to be."

"The Lord bless you, my sister," replied Mandatus; "and may he grant your pious desire!"

"Amen," said Marcella fervently; and as she bent before the venerable Christian teacher, she could scarcely have been recognised as the stately wife of the proud Sophis. Her whole air and manner were changed and softened, and her counte

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