After dinner, May went to inform Father Fabian that she had declined
Mr. Fielding's offer, and would remove to Mrs. Tabb's in the course of
a day or two. But she saw him in the garden walk in the rear of the
house, walking to and fro, reading his office, and went into the
church, where she offered the rich bouquet Helen had sent her, on the
shrine of _Our Lady, the refuge_; after which, she said, with great
devotion, a decade of the rosary, for her conversion. Father Fabian
was standing in the door when she returned, and watched her, as she
approached, with a grave, but quizzical, expression of countenance.

"I am glad to see you, my child, in your long dresses yet," he said,
holding out his hand, kindly.

"Sir," said May, looking perplexed.

"I did not feel sure but that you had adopted the new school so much in
favor with your sex, judging from all that I have heard," he replied,
laughing.

"What new school? What have you heard, Father?" she asked, anxiously.

"The strong-minded women's-school!"

"I see that you have some jest at my expense, and I must be patient
until it is explained," said May, sitting down.

"Yes, yes; be patient."

"Will you not tell me, Father, what I have done?"