. Stillinghast's door. Helen
heard the carriage stop, and her toilette, as usual, being very
becomingly and carefully made--for Helen never forgot her
_self-homage_--she met them at the door. Her countenance had assumed a
sad and mournful expression, and in answer to their inquiries, she
spoke in an agitated and subdued tone.

"It is horrible. I did not hear a word of it until to-day. I was
dreadfully shocked," said Mrs. Jerrold, kissing her cheek.

"How is Mr. Stillinghast now, dear Helen?" asked Walter Jerrold,
folding her hand closer in his own.

"They fear he is sinking," said Helen, in the same tone of counterfeit
feeling.

"How melancholy!" said Mrs. Jerrold, taking possession of the corner of
the sofa, almost dying with curiosity.

"Has he inquired after me, do you know Helen?"

"I have not heard."

"I thought, perhaps, he might wish to see me in relation to the firm,
and its concerns; though every thing has been conducted with such
strict regularity, that I do not suppose it is necessary."

"Perhaps as May has been with him all the time, she can give you some
information," said Helen, with one of her cold, haughty glances towards
May, who just then came in.

"I will not detain you one moment," said Mr. Jerrold, bowing to May.
"I am anxious to know particularly how Mr. Stillinghast is, and if he
has inquired for me?"

"But this moment, Mr. Jerrold, he awoke, and requested to see you. I
thought you were here, and ran down to see. He is very low indeed,
sir, and I will just let him know that you are waiting to see him."

"It may not be important; but if he is not too ill, I should be glad to
see him a moment."

"I will come down for you immediately. Excuse me, Mrs. Jerrold," said
May, who hurrying out, was met by Father Fabian. He spoke kindly to
Helen, bowed courteously to the strangers, and went up stairs.

"Who is that, dear?" asked Mrs. Jerrold, whose attention had been
arrested by the dignified courtesy of Father Fabian's manner.

"A Catholic clergyman," said Helen, blushing.

"Your uncle is not a Catholic?"

"He was not, but he is now."

A look of ineffable scorn spread over Mrs. Jerrold's handsome face,
while a low, contemptuous laugh from her son, was the response.

"Dear Helen," said Mrs. Jerrold, taking the weak girl's hand in her
own, with a caress, "excuse me, for no doubt you still feel some
hankering after those mysterious idolatries which you have wisely
abandoned; but