yly with Walter Jerrold. She wrapped her shawl about her, and went
out to admit her. She sprang into the hall, singing wild thrills from
_Lucia de Lammermoor_, and without stopping, flew to her harp, and ran
her fingers over the strings, preluding brilliantly,

"Oh, May, you should have been there--the most divine opera! Sontag
sung like an angel."

"Dear Helen," said May, interrupting her, and laying her hand on her
arm, "don't! you will disturb Uncle Stillinghast; he is not well."

"You don't say so!" exclaimed Helen, turning her face towards her,
while a gleam of almost ferocious pleasure shone in her eyes. "Oh, you
don't say so! Is he very sick?"

"A slight cold, I believe; at any rate, do not let us disturb him,"
said May, surprised and shocked at her evident pleasure.

"What nonsense!" cried Helen, laughing hysterically; "he'll live until
you and I are both dead, May. He's as tough as gutta percha. But,
would it not be a nice thing if he'd pop off suddenly, and leave us his
money?"

"Do not say _us_, Helen. I expect nothing, and desire nothing. As for
you, be satisfied; you are handsomely provided for."

"I know it; I know it. _I have read the will_!" exulted Helen.

"_Read the will_, Helen! How? When?"

"Oh, I did not mean _that_ exactly," said Helen, much confused; "you
really take me up so quick, that it is terrible. I should have said
that Walter told me something of the old man's intentions."

"May it be blessed to you, Helen, come when it will; but while _he_
lives, let his generous intentions in your favor purchase at _least_
your respect," said May, in a tone of bitter reproof, for at the moment
she recollected Helen's threat some weeks before to get into her
uncle's chamber, if possible, and she feared that she had accomplished
her object at the expense of all that was honorable in feeling, and
just in principle.

"May, you won't say anything--about--about what I just blundered out
concerning the--" said Helen, confused and stammering.

"No, Helen; I have nothing to say. It was natural, though not
delicate, for Mr. Jerrold to impart such information to you. No doubt
he thought it would enhance your happiness," said May, settling herself
in her uncle's chair.

"That's a good May. Oh, May, if you were not such a little fanatic how
I should love you," said Helen, stooping over to kiss May's forehead;
but she put up her hand, and the kiss fell on the tips of her fingers.
But he