all his worldliness and pride. But now the crisis of the
disease came on. Her life hung upon the most attenuated thread. The
doctor gave them no hope of a favorable change.

It was past midnight. May, with Father Fabian, who had staid, hoping
that a short interval of reason would occur before her agony came
on--for they thought she was sinking--knelt, praying and imploring the
mercy of heaven for her helpless soul. Mr. Jerrold, unmanned, and
filled with bitter anguish, had gone out into the balcony, which
overhung the garden, where, bowed down, he wept like a child.

A low moan escaped Helen's white lips, a quivering motion convulsed her
limbs. Her long golden hair was thrown back in dishevelled curls from
her marble face. She gasped for breath.

"Her agony is coming on!" whispered Father Fabian.

But suddenly there was a calm; the struggle ceased, and like one
exhausted, she whispered, "Thanks, oh, my Mother!" and her large eyes,
from which the film passed away, closed in a sweet and refreshing
slumber.

"She will live," said Father Fabian; "but be silent--shade the light,
and let in more air."

May wanted to kneel, and sing the glories of MARY; she would like to
have declared to all the earth the power and tenderness of that
Immaculate Heart, which pursues with importunity and tears those who
fly from her Divine Son. Loving him, she cannot bear that those for
whom he suffered should be recreant to their high destiny; but May
could only commune with the unseen guardians of her soul, and through
them declare her rapture, which ebbed and flowed in sweet numbers, like
a life-tide through her soul.

Father Fabian followed Mr. Jerrold out on the balcony, and laying his
hand on his shoulder, said, "Let us give thanks to God; your wife will
live. Nay, sir, do not go in; the slightest agitation, before the
equilibrium of nature is restored, might destroy her. Come with me
into another room, and follow the advice which I shall give you, which
is to lie down and sleep." Subdued and humble, the proud man was led
like a child into another apartment, where, throwing himself on a
lounge, exhausted with long and anxious watching, he fell into a
profound sleep.

When Helen awoke the next day, she looked around her with a bewildered
air--then gradually remembered all; and though a feeling of deep
tribulation came over her, she felt a peace within herself that she had
never known before. She breathed a prayer to J