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fancy not; merely a codicil, if any thing. But be careful of yourself, Helen; don't sit up at night--it will hurt your eyes and good looks. May Brooke is an indefatigable nurse," said the worldly man. "Farewell, sweet Helen," whispered Mrs. Jerrold, embracing her. "We shall soon have you to ourselves. But be on the _qui vive_; there _may_ be something, you know, under all this." "_Another will!_" thought Helen, after they went away; "if another exists, different from the first----well--I see no reason why a whim should wreck my happiness." Then, tempted and scheming, she sat motionless for hours. Alas! for the soul which of its own free will, unmoors itself from the Rock of Ages, to drift away on dark and uncertain seas; who, lured away by the sun-gilt mirage, throws down the cross, scorns the thorny crown, and despises Calvary, to perish at last miserably in the arid desert! Although Helen had never been a pious Catholic, she had always declared herself one, and resisted every open attack on her faith; but now, insidious scorn, worldly interests, and human love had entered her soul, and poisoned it, and for a season they would triumph. "Uncle Stillinghast wants you, dear Helen," said May, tapping her on the shoulder. "Me!" she exclaimed, starting up like a guilty thing. "Yes, dear. He will receive the Holy Viaticum soon, and he wishes to speak with you before," said May, winding her arm around Helen's waist, and wishing, in the charity that filled her soul, that she could as easily lead her back, weeping and penitent, to the foot of the cross. "Come hither, child," said the old man, turning his feeble eyes towards her. "I fear--I have--assisted--_encouraged_ you--to forsake your faith. God--forgive me--for my ignorance and sin. But hear me. I am dying--hear me testify to the saving and divine truths of that faith--and repent you--repent ere--it is--too late for ever. It is an awful thing--girl--to live away--from--the--true fold of Jesus Christ;--but how horrible--is it--_to forsake it_! Father Fabian--come closer," he said, feebly, while he placed Helen's hand in that of the clergyman, "bring--watch her--guide her, until she is saved." "My poor child! you will not forsake your religion; you dare not peril your salvation by severing, with sacrilegious hand, the ties which unite you to JESUS CHRIST, as a member of His glorious body?" asked the priest, in a tone of blended pity and authority.
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