nd died, than of those who had never sullied, or torn their
robes, and squandered their substance in the world's wild wilderness,
poured out the riches of its solemnities around the altar, where the
Divine Sacrifice was offered, with touching prayers, for his eternal
repose.

Father Fabian officiated, and spoke eloquently of the nothingness of
the world, the uncertainty of life, and the emptiness of riches. The
cathedral was crowded by persons whom the news of Mr. Stillinghast's
conversion had brought together, and who, regarding it as an
extraordinary event, were desirous of witnessing the funeral
ceremonies, and at the same time testify their respect for his memory.
The most influential and wealthy of the class to which he belonged were
present, and habituated as they were to look at every thing in a
commercial point of view, their general opinion was that their old
companion in trade had made a good bargain. "He was stern and harsh,"
they said, "but honest and upright; and too shrewd altogether to make a
bad speculation in the end, and doubtless he had sought only his best
interests in the step he had taken."

But in all that crowd there was only one heart which felt an emotion of
grief, or had a single tear to drop on his coffin-lid. After a long
life of toil, and solitude, and unlovingness, only one. May felt this
while she wept, and wished she had been more patient and persevering in
her love while he lived; but such regrets were useless now, except to
kindle charity. She could do nothing which would be available to make
up the deficiencies of the past, but incessantly beseech Jesus Christ,
through which his bitter passion and death, and the Immaculate Mother,
by the union she bore, body and soul, in the unspeakable agonies of the
CROSS, to grant him a speedy release from suffering probation, to
eternal refreshment, and light, and peace.

It was late when the funeral _cortege_ returned to the city, and Mr.
Fielding, perceiving that May was much overcome, and looked ill,
declined going in, or attending to business that evening.

"I will be here at ten o'clock to-morrow morning. I know that my
deceased client's affairs are all in such order, that there will be no
delay in carrying out his wishes."

"Just as you think best, Mr. Fielding," replied May, wearily.

"What say you, Miss Stillinghast?" he said, addressing Helen.

"To-morrow will be quite time enough, sir," replied Helen, in a low
tone.

Time