The Curse Upon Mitre Square — page 39: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE CELL. 31 arguments and exhortations of the right kind to appeal to such a temperament. ‘The result of this to Martin was curious; his determination to sin did . not leave him, but the thought of it brought untold misery. In a few days he would meet the object of his passion in the great church at the hour put down for him to make his solitary prayer. Would he fly with her and break his priestly vow? Would he bring such scandal on the monastery? Was that to be the return for all the kindness shown him ? Yes. Again, did he realise the greatness of the sin ? Was his faith still active? Was he to be the one black sheep in all the fold? Again, yes! Oh! mighty passion, like the torrent, regardless of all obstacles, ignoring all attempts to say thy headlong course ; oh, fierce, all-consuming fire! But the eloquent words of the aged priest went home, and though they did not cure Martin of his sinful desire, produced a misery so intense that he feared his mind would get unhinged. Four more days of suspense! He longed for the time to pass, yet would he fain put off the day. One evening the monk fell ill, a burning sensation seized him, his brain seemed on fire, his mind con- jured up strange and awful scenes, Hell seemed to open beneath him, and a laughing fiend to stretch out its bony arm to seize him. Was his reason giving way? His excitement became intense, he beat his brow and clenched his teeth, then, as if suddenly struck with an idea, rushed to the church and paced the lofty nave and aisles, muttering GOmMmleEdoOo <S (E@) m