its appurtenances; and I do not know any one more in keeping with it,
than cousin May."

May laughed. "You think that, as we harmonize so exactly, we should be
a mutual protection to each other?"

"Precisely. Will you remain?"

"No. It would be pleasant on some accounts, but would not be at all
suitable on others. A residence here would very materially interrupt
the objects and aims of my life, in which pursuit I can alone be happy."

"Dodona's Cave! How oracular!" said Mr. Jerrold, laughing outright.
"Explain, dear Sopho, your argument!"

"Will you understand? But _how_ can you, a Protestant, understand the
motive power of a Catholic heart?" said May.

"Proceed. I will give you oracle for oracle. I am a Protestant in
principle, but not in fact," was the light reply.

"I have always felt that while I ate no idle bread I was of some use on
earth. I have always been accustomed to an active life. Labor gives
one an opportunity of learning many virtues;--_patience_ amongst them,
and not the least, humility. I should have nothing to do, here. The
necessity for exertion would be gone; and, really, I am too much afraid
of _myself_, to trust to exigencies. No, no! I must have an aim which
will require the exercise of my most active energies. Dependence will
not suit me."