"May, are you still determined not to witness my marriage?" asked
Helen, abruptly.

"Yes, Helen. The same barrier to my being present exists, I presume?"

"If my being married by a Protestant minister, is the apology for your
absence, it does," replied Helen, with a decided air.

"Do not say apology, Helen; I do not pretend to offer one. It is your
privilege to make your marriage, as far as you are concerned,
sacramental; as a Catholic, it is _your duty_ to do so. By acting
otherwise, you disobey the Church, and place yourself in a position of
great danger; and I do not choose to be implicated, by being present at
the ceremonial."

"You are a most obstinate person;--but just as you please. What are
your plans, if I may ask?" said Helen, feeling ill at ease.

"Very plain and honest ones, Helen," said May, measuring out the tea.

"I should not suspect _you_, May, of any other," said Helen, with a
sarcastic manner; "but let us hear them, if you are not ashamed of
them!"

"I am ashamed of nothing, Helen, but the guilt of sin. As to my plans,
I do not know that you feel any genuine interest in them; and, as we
shall not meet often, I suppose, it is scarcely necessary to unfold
them."

"I have a motive in asking you, May--a good one, too. I wish to assist