whose soul the poison of a hidden sin was already doing
its work of restless fever, and unceasing torture, be happy? Alas! no;
she _felt_ that hence forth she was to know not rest on
earth--_beyond_, she dared not look.

One evening--the eve of her bridal, she and May were together, once
more, in the antique parlor. Helen, flushed, and splendidly
beautiful;--May, calm, and pleasant, her cheeks and brow a little pale,
but very lovely from the inner light reflected on them.

"May, are you still determined not to witness my marriage?" asked
Helen, abruptly.

"Yes, Helen. The same barrier to my being present exists, I presume?"

"If my being married by a Protestant minister, is the apology for your
absence, it does," replied Helen, with a decided air.

"Do not say apology, Helen; I do not pretend to offer one. It is your
privilege to make your marriage, as far as you are concerned,
sacramental; as a Catholic, it is _your duty_ to do so. By acting
otherwise, you disobey the Church, and place yourself in a position of
great danger; and I do not choose to be implicated, by being present at
the ceremonial."

"You are a most obstinate person;--but just as you please. What are
your plans, if I may ask?" said Helen, feeling ill at ease.

"Very plain and honest ones, Helen," said May, measuring out the tea.

"I should not suspect _you_, May, of any other," said Helen, with a
sarcastic manner; "but let us hear them, if you are not ashamed of
them!"

"I am ashamed of nothing, Helen, but the guilt of sin. As to my plans,
I do not know that you feel any genuine interest in them; and, as we
shall not meet often, I suppose, it is scarcely necessary to unfold
them."

"I have a motive in asking you, May--a good one, too. I wish to assist
you," said Helen.

"I thank you, dear Helen, but I really do not require the least
assistance. The sum my uncle left me, added to what I shall earn, will
support me nicely," she replied.

"Earn! how? Shall you take in sewing?" screamed Helen.

"No. I have rented a nice room from my old friend Mrs. Tabb, who keeps
the trimming store, and she has engaged to sell all the fancy knitting
I can do. I am very well provided for, you perceive."

"I perceive nothing of the kind. It is positively ridiculous and
disgraceful. What will the world say?" exclaimed Helen.

"The world, dear Helen! What business has the world with me? I owe it
nothing but its just tribute of good citizenshi