Again the clear sonorous voice of the speaker, filled with a
tender cadence and solemn sweetness, enunciated the words. Why does
Helen think of her picture at home--of the pitying glance it cast on
her the night she committed that crime, which had almost wrecked her
soul? Why does she think of her interposition that very morning which
had saved her from self-murder? It was from no voluntary will of her
own; but these visions came, subduing and touching the rind of her
weary heart, until it heaved with the throes of a new birth. She
listens now. She cannot do otherwise, for the powerful voice of the
preacher rings out clear, distinct, and impressive. His eloquence
enchains every heart; in burning words, he assails every soul.
Unbelievers, heretics, infidels, and lukewarm Catholics, hang on every
sentence; nor disdain the tears which flow, while he tells of the
dolors of Mary. Almost fainting, Helen leaned forward, and shaded her
face; there was a pent-up agony in her heart, her brain ached, and the
throbbing of her pulses almost suffocated her; and when the preacher
ceased, she leaned back with a sigh of relief. But it was not over
yet. The organ in deep-toned thunders, and notes of liquid music,
wailed forth the dolorous harmony of Stabat Mater, while voices of
surpassing sweetness sung the words.

"I am ill, Walter--take me home," gasped Helen. "I am overcome by the
heat and crowd."

"We must wait a little, Helen. The throng is so great that we cannot
move. Dry your face, and let me fan you. Every body is crying, I
believe--don't let that trouble you. See, Helle, even I have dropped a
tear in memory of those stupendous sorrows," said Walter Jerrold, half
playfully, and half in earnest.

Then Helen leaned her face on her hands, while torrents of tears
dripped over the diamonds and rubies that decked her fingers.

CHAPTER XVIII.

REPENTANCE.

May was sitting in her neat little parlor, knitting and singing, when
there came a curt, sharp rap on the door.

"Come in," she said, looking up; and Mr. Fielding walked in, heated and
flurried. "I am very glad to see you, sir. Give me your hat, and let
me fetch you a drink of cool water."

"No, ma'am; I am not in a sufficiently pleasant mood with you to accept
your hospitalities. I came on legal business," he said, pursing up his
mouth, and looking around.

"I am sorry that you are offended with me, sir. What shall I do to
obtain your forgiveness