"But, Father, you have always taught me to have faith in God, and told
me in all difficulties to have recourse to him and the Blessed Virgin.
If it is for his glory, and the good of his creatures, the lost will
will be found," she said, earnestly.

"You are right, my child. God's holy will be done," said Father
Fabian, lifting his _bounet-carre_ from his brow. "But, having turned
a theological point against me, can you explain your most obstinate
refusal to accept of Mr. Fielding's and Mr. Jerrold's kind offers of a
home, where ease, luxury, and elegance would attend you? You seem
determined to take a stand against your interests in every way. What
rational objection can you oppose to their offers?"

"Dear Father, are you displeased with your poor child?" asked May, with
humility.

"To be frank, my dear child, I consider your conduct a little unusual,"
said Father Fabian, looking down to conceal the smile that brightened
his eyes. "How could you act so?"

"Simply and frankly because I wished to be _free_."

"Woman's rights! As I suspected, woman's rights!" exclaimed Father
Fabian, lifting his hands with horror.

"_Soul's rights_, Father! _Soul's rights!_" said May, in an
impassioned manner. "I could not live with Helen in peace without
spiritual bondage. Her way of life would leave me no neutral ground to
stand on. She has forsaken her religion; every act of hers is