n off his wrappings, hung up his hat, and come in. He was evidently
in no amiable mood, and to the greetings of his nieces condescended no
reply.

"It is colder this evening, Sir, is it not?" said May, flitting around
the tea-table.

"Yes."

"Shall I get your tea now, uncle?"

"Yes."

"Here it is, sir; it is very nice and hot; every thing is ready. Come,
Helen," said May, placing the chairs. They took their seats in silence.

"What's your name?" Mr. Stillinghast said abruptly, turning to Helen.

"Helen."

"Can you make bread?"

"No, sir," replied Helen, in trembling tones.

"_Learn_, d'ye hear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Can you sweep--make a shirt--wash--iron?" he burst out.

"No, sir," she said, trembling.

"What _are_ you good for, then?" he inquired, sternly.

"I don't know, sir; I can play on the harp," faltered Helen.

"Play the devil! You are a pretty, curly wax doll--good for nothing, and
cumbering the very earth that you live on."

Helen said nothing, but tears rolled over her cheeks.

"But I will have no idlers about me. You shall learn to be useful and
industrious. D'ye understand?"

"I will try, sir."

"Very well. And now, miss, what were _you_ doing parading about with old
Copeland down town?" he said, turning suddenly to May; "a man I detest
with all my soul."

"I do not know any individual of that name, sir. I missed my way this
morning, and inquired of an old gentleman who was passing the address of
a person I had business with. Then he offered to show me, as he was
going past the place," said May, lifting her clear, truthful eyes, to his
face.

"And _what_ business, pray, led you to a part of the city so little
frequented by the respectable of your sex?"

"If you will excuse me, sir, I would prefer not telling you," she said,
gently.

"I insist on knowing," he exclaimed, angrily.

"You will excuse me, sir, when I tell you that it was quite a little
affair of my own," replied May, in a low voice.

"Very well, madam!" said Mr. Stillinghast, bowing with a sneer; "but
depend on't I shall sift this matter--it shall not rest here."

"I am grieved, dear uncle, to have offended you," began May.

"Be silent! You are full of popish tricks; I suppose you were engaged in
one this morning. Go, answer the bell!" Glad to escape, May stepped the
hall to open the door, and ushered in a tall, fine-looking man, who said
he had business with Mr. Stillinghast. He bowed with a well-bre