"Helen will be ill-prepared, I fear, for a life of pious example, if
she devotes all of her energies now to the world. _Grace_, you know,
sir, is not a human thing which can be bought with money, or worldly
eloquence," replied May, earnestly.

"Helen has no truer friend, I believe, on my honor, May, than yourself;
but, really, she must enjoy life a little longer; then I will turn her
over to you and her father confessor;--but I came for a purpose,
to-day."

"A friendly one, I am sure!" said May.

"Yes. I saw Mr. Fielding this morning, and consulted him about the
expediency of your remaining _here_, as you wont live with us. We wish
the place kept up;--it is a _curioso_ in its way--an _antique_ with all
its appurtenances; and I do not know any one more in keeping with it,
than cousin May."

May laughed. "You think that, as we harmonize so exactly, we should be
a mutual protection to each other?"

"Precisely. Will you remain?"

"No. It would be pleasant on some accounts, but would not be at all
suitable on others. A residence here would very materially interrupt
the objects and aims of my life, in which pursuit I can alone be happy."

"Dodona's Cave! How oracular!" said Mr. Jerrold, laughing outright.
"Explain, dear Sopho, your argument!"

"Will you understand? But _how_ can you, a Protestant, understand the
motive power of a Catholic heart?" said May.

"Proceed. I will give you oracle for oracle. I am a Protestant in
principle, but not in fact," was the light reply.

"I have always felt that while I ate no idle bread I was of some use on
earth. I have always been accustomed to an active life. Labor gives
one an opportunity of learning many virtues;--_patience_ amongst them,
and not the least, humility. I should have nothing to do, here. The
necessity for exertion would be gone; and, really, I am too much afraid
of _myself_, to trust to exigencies. No, no! I must have an aim which
will require the exercise of my most active energies. Dependence will
not suit me."

"That is it," broke in Mr. Jerrold. "Pride is at the bottom of the
whole argument. May! this moment you are as proud as the devil!"

"Oh, sir! pray do not think that. I really feel extremely grateful for
your kind intentions," said May, looking distressed. "I have other
reasons, which I cannot very well explain, for choosing the way of life
that I have. Only please to understand this, that I should be very
miserable, if I