Although we have presumed the reader to be acquainted with the manner
in which such results are commonly attained, it is not to be supposed
that the triumph of Middleton, either over the prejudices of the
father or over those of the daughter, was achieved without difficulty.
Religion formed a stubborn and nearly irremovable obstacle with both.
The devoted man patiently submitted to a formidable essay, father
Ignatius was deputed to make in order to convert him to the true
faith. The effort on the part of the worthy priest was systematic,
vigorous, and long sustained. A dozen times (it was at those moments
when glimpses of the light, sylphlike form of Inez flitted like some
fairy being past the scene of their conferences) the good father
fancied he was on the eve of a glorious triumph over infidelity; but
all his hopes were frustrated by some unlooked-for opposition, on the
part of the subject of his pious labours. So long as the assault on
his faith was distant and feeble, Middleton, who was no great
proficient in polemics, submitted to its effects with the patience and
humility of a martyr; but the moment the good father, who felt such
concern in his future happiness, was tempted to improve his vantage
ground by calling in the aid of some of the peculiar subtilties of his
own creed, the young man was too good a soldier not to make head
against the hot attack.
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