THE KING’S BUSINESS
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the unscrupulousness of the people with whom she had to deal), she could not return with them. They sat in the hall of the bishop’s house all day long,: till they just had time to catch the last train, and were then persuaded by Kate to leave for home. A short time after this, Kate received a message, one dark night, to the effect that a Mrs. Nooman, whom she knew very well, and who was housekeeper to a Roman Catholic college, wished to see her at the hall door. Kate was walking to the door, without any suspicion of deceit, when, to her surprise, she saw from the shadow of the street lamp, the tall hats of four priests. She realized immediately that this was an attempt to kidnap her, and accordingly sent word that she declined to see Mrs. Nooman. The last person to whom was committed the task of getting her back to Romanism was an old doctor who had retired from practice, and now spent his time running about the city in the interests of Popery. ’ He arrived one morning at nine o’clock, asked to see Kate, and informed her that he had been sent for her by the Roman Catholic bishop, that he had a car waiting at the door, and that he would not leave the house till she consented to accompany him. Kate replied that she would not go. The doctor sat in the hall till one o’clock, when Kate went to him, and said: “Doctor, there is no use in your waiting here any longer. 1 shall not go with you.” She recommended him to await events, and to call three days later. The doctor returned, but only to find that Kate had left. As a matter of fact, she had proceeded to Glasgow, having found a refuge with some kind friends of Helen McGregor, until another situation could be found for her. She was a very bright and happy Christian, and after a year’s residence in Scotland was not afraid to return to
quences if she failed to make her appearance, went away. As she did not go to confession, the case was reported to the Roman Catholic bishop, who sent his vicar- general to Kate to “command her instant obedience and submission.” The vicar-general saw the Protestant bishop—who was quite ignorant of what had taken place—and also his daughter, who kept house for him. The vicar-general was informed that he or any one else could have full liberty of access to Kate, and they could use what moral sausion they pleased, but there must be no violence, and the girl must not be compelled to do anything against her will. He also spoke to Kate, who told him directly that she had ceased to be a Roman Catholic, and that nothing would induce her to become one again. The next person who was sent to use his influence with the young woman was the old parish priest of the place where she was born and brought up. He besought her, with tears, “not to disgrace herself and her family, but to return to the bosom of the true church,” out of which he assured her she could not be saved. Kate told him SHE WAS ALREADY SAVED She had put her trust in Jesus Christ, and in His finished work, and she had no doubt whatever that God for Jesus’ sake had pardoned all her sins. She had no fear regarding the future, either in this life or the life to come; she had committed herself wholly to the Saviour’s keeping, and He would lead her safely home. The next to plead with her were her father and mother. They were sent with strict orders to bring their daughter back with them. They arrived by the early train, and told Kate that they could not and would not return without her. She replied that, under the circumstances (that is, knowing
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