"Dear Mr. Jerrold," said old-fashioned May, "I have tried to find my
way to Helen's heart, but, to be frank with you, our ways lie too
differently. Helen will have none of my friendship on those terms on
which I alone can give it. But you do not understand it all.--You are
a Protestant, and wish to see Helen one; therefore, _I_ should be a
discord in your house, because, if there, _my duty_ would not allow me
to hold my peace."

"Helen is too young and beautiful to mope about religion," he said,
carelessly. "When she gets older, and is more tied down by domestic
cares, it will be necessary and respectable for her to be religious;
and then, egad, if she wishes it, I'd as lief she'd be a Catholic as
any thing else."

"Helen will be ill-prepared, I fear, for a life of pious example, if
she devotes all of her energies now to the world. _Grace_, you know,
sir, is not a human thing which can be bought with money, or worldly
eloquence," replied May, earnestly.

"Helen has no truer friend, I believe, on my honor, May, than yourself;
but, really, she must enjoy life a little longer; then I will turn her
over to you and her father confessor;--but I came for a purpose,
to-day."

"A friendly one, I am sure!" said May.

"Yes. I saw Mr. Fielding this morning, and consulted him about the
expediency of your remaining _here_, as you wont live with us. We wish
the place kept up;--it is a _curioso_ in its way--an _antique_ with all