May Brooke

dressed; but how occupied she could not conceive, until rising, she saw her sitting beside her open trunk, wit

rosettes, in her soft wavy brown hair; of white crape and illusion on her throat and wrists-glancing a

ht worship myself instead of God." But she said nothing, and performed her morning devotions, and made

I am ready now. I had quite forgotten that it was my morning to make breakfast,"

-if-you have not said your prayers yet, I will go dow

ce. I have no time for my prayers now-after

elen, c

re, I am really half wild, and could not pray for the life of me-at least, as people ought to pray. Oh, what different times we shall have! Really,

iddy and selfish, she derived amusement from that which was luring her soul further away from God; and, while May wept over her peril, she thought only of the transient and fleeting enjoyments of the present. Gayly

th whom I have business relations of some importance, to tea, and I wish to

frightened expression her face always wore when he addresse

yourself," said Mr. Stillinghast

silver forks, si

t silent torrent, while the hot winds of evil heated her veins with fire, and caused a hot flush to burn on either cheek. Ho! how exulted the tempter now; he had long laid in wait for her soul, and now, while it oscillated and wavered, how triumphant he was; how defiantly he lifted his lurid brow towards the Almighty, while he spread out the snare for that tempted, trembling one! but let us listen-for angels guard her, and watch, with sorrowful eyes, the dread conflict, while they pray for heavenly strength to sustain her-let us listen to the words which go up from that heart, so stilly and whispe

" said Helen, who had

e waffles and tea-biscuits, if you wish it, and we can order cake from Del

ed to you. You know I shall have to dress, and it takes me so long to arrange my hair gra

y dress is such an every day affair, that I shall be able to h

rather expect Mr. Stilling

o you; but, as I have always sat there, I shall continue to do so unt

len, taking up the bundle which Mr. Stillinghast had laid on the table. "See, May, what

resume," said May, exam

curmudgeon kept them all this time?" exclaimed He

ng and rubbing. I will go to mass now, after which I will attend to your commissions. While I am out, you had better get down the old china, which you will find on th

we not hunt up your old maummy, if she is n

en," said May, turning away

ut, May, have you a

of fine damas

nap

on

look quite splendid on the table this evening. But hurry on, May, I

te looked resplendent, and a harp, of a magnificent pattern, heavily carved and gilded, stood in a conspicuous place. Helen looked exquisitely lovely. Her dress was the perfection of good taste, and well did its elaborate simplicity suit her style of beauty. A single white rose, and a few geranium leaves in her hair, with a pearl and jet brooch, which fastened the velvet around her throat, were the only ornaments she wore. But Mr. Stillinghast came in growling and lowering as usual, and without noticing any one, or any thing, threw himself

e," said May, with on

as yours, certainly!" he replied, throwing off the larg

bled each other; there would be no harmony. But walk in, Mr. J

ssion-such an airy, light motion of modest grace, that Walter Jerrold, who had seen much of the world, and lived in the best company, was struck by the anomaly which combined so much real grace with what, he considered, domestic drudgery. And May's appearance justified his remarks. A dark, rich merino dress; a small, finely embroidered collar, with cuffs of the same; a breast-knot of crimson and black ribbon; and her waving, glossy hair, falling in broad bands on her fair cheeks, and gathered up at the back of her head, beneath a jet comb, completed her attire. It was her usual holiday dress, and did not embarrass her. Her eyes looked larger, brighter, and darker than usual, and a faint tinge of rose stole through the transparent fairness of her cheeks. But, with all, M

oom. You can drop in, and look over those papers before you go. However, stay as late as it is agreeable for you to

tment, threw down his pen, and sprung to his feet, to listen. It was Helen singing wild cavatinas from Norma, and solos from Der Freischutz, and looking so splendidly beautiful the while, that Walter Jerrold thought with pride and exultation of introduc

call the next day with his mother; to which Helen assented graciously, and May, havin

nd Mr. Stillingha

ead of the staircase. It is the

gain, fair ladies," he sa

of Mr. Stillinghast, in

! we

apers ready, sir?" inquir

. Are you read

, sir. Give

doings in any transactions in which I am concerned. Here th

ed according to the strictest legal forms, slow

is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld-accomplished, and elegant in form and manners. Give me

are the apples on the shores of the Dead Sea. But she is yours. You'll find no trouble in winning her, even at the

a barter. Your niece would grace a throne, and I am vain eno

eave me-goodnight. Make your arrangements

l not pass into other hands," thought

elen's ears, who, half wild with joy, could scarcely repress her emotions from breaking out in some ill-bred expressions of delight. Without a moment's reflection, she consented to attend St. Paul's Church the next Sunday morning, at eleven o'clock, and hear the well-meaning Protestant clergyman who officiated there. "Yo

Stillinghast, with Walter," continued the

om his displeasure, which she supposed would be excited by this neglect, went on in her old routine, as if nothing had ever occurred to interrupt it. Thus weeks rolled by, and Helen was the affianced wife of Walter Jerrold; forgetful of the demands of religion, and turning a deaf

s apparent apostasy, and haughty demeanor, were trials which required the constant replenishing of grace in her soul, to bear with patience. But Father Fabian bid her to be of good cheer; the divine sacraments of the Church strengthened and consoled her by their sweet and

ouse her uncle had settled on her, with permission to furnish it without regard to cost, on condition that she was married by a

y marriage will be as legal and respectable a

marriage, to be legal, must also be sacramental. It is a sacrament; one which is held in high esteem and respect by the Church, and no Catholic can c

submitting to every thing; Jerrold would not, I am sure, consent to being married by a Catholic

rop away from you like rotten rags; when your soul, affrighted and shrinking, will go forth, obeying the inexorable laws, of the Creator, to meet its Almighty Judge. When the shadows will fall darkly around your way, Helen, and phantoms of darkness lie in wait, until the irrevocable s

h! how dare you speak thus to me? It is cruel! Henceforth utter no such language to me while

ary, and at the foot of the cross beseech our suffering Jesus, by his bitter passion and death to have mercy on you. You cannot stop me-you cannot hinder me in this, for, oh Helen! it is an awful thing to see a so

ter of a diamond bracelet, which Walter Jerrold had just sent her, with a bouquet of hot-house flower

me what you will wear at my bridal," said Helen, c

joy, for there can no joy ever come in disobeying t

y; "but croak no more to-night. You

ed to her oratory, to