information," said Helen, with one of her cold, haughty glances towards
May, who just then came in.

"I will not detain you one moment," said Mr. Jerrold, bowing to May.
"I am anxious to know particularly how Mr. Stillinghast is, and if he
has inquired for me?"

"But this moment, Mr. Jerrold, he awoke, and requested to see you. I
thought you were here, and ran down to see. He is very low indeed,
sir, and I will just let him know that you are waiting to see him."

"It may not be important; but if he is not too ill, I should be glad to
see him a moment."

"I will come down for you immediately. Excuse me, Mrs. Jerrold," said
May, who hurrying out, was met by Father Fabian. He spoke kindly to
Helen, bowed courteously to the strangers, and went up stairs.

"Who is that, dear?" asked Mrs. Jerrold, whose attention had been
arrested by the dignified courtesy of Father Fabian's manner.

"A Catholic clergyman," said Helen, blushing.

"Your uncle is not a Catholic?"

"He was not, but he is now."

A look of ineffable scorn spread over Mrs. Jerrold's handsome face,
while a low, contemptuous laugh from her son, was the response.