et to learn the lesson, bitter and agonizing, that no woman is
proof against the captivating temptations of ambition, and the glare
of wealth. I know but little of the sex; they are called angels, and I
had thought Helen was an angel--alas! I found my mistake. I read my
doom in the averted coldness of her glance; I felt it in the unwilling
pressure of her hand whenever we met, and I knew it when I gazed upon
the countenance of my brother, on which was a quiet glow of happiness
his expressive features could not conceal, even when he knew my
searching glance was upon him. O! the agony of feeling which oppressed
me in those bitter days; I felt all the savage passions of my nature
rising within me; there were moments when I felt as if I could gladly
see my brother and Helen stretched dead at my feet. Day by day these
vindictive thoughts increased within me. It wanted but the finishing
stroke to make me completely mad--it came. Though I had long dreaded
to make the trial, on which all my happiness for this world rested, I
at length determined to put it off no longer.

The shadows of twilight were settling over the earth as I slowly and
sadly approached the parsonage. My head was bowed upon my breast as I
walked with a noiseless step upon the little path that led to the
unpretending dwelling. I was not aware how near I had come, till a ray
of light from the window fell across the path, and recalled me to
myself. As I stopped, I heard the tones of my brother's voice in low
and earnest conversation. I drew nearer, and beheld a sight which
rooted me to the spot, even though I was not wholly unprepared for
such a scene.

My brother and Helen were seated in the little arbor before the
parsonage, as she and myself had often before sat when I fancied our
love was lasting as life. In the dim light I could see that my
brother's arm was round her waist, and that her head rested upon his
shoulder. I could hear their conversation.

"And you do love me, then, Helen?"

I heard no answer, but the long curls moved slightly upon my brother's
shoulder, and as he bent his head and kissed her, I felt that he was
answered--I was answered--that he _was_ loved.

My brain burned as if on fire--and I sunk to the earth with a low
groan. How long I remained unconscious I do not know; when I
recovered, Helen and Sir John stood beside me. I sprung to my feet,
and gazed upon them with the glare of a maniac. It was so--my brain
was crazed.

"Willia