d, proud eye on the
practical works of faith; and scornfully hushing May's expostulations,
she thought only of the realization of her ambitious and worldly
dreams, and plunged into the gayeties of life with a zest worthy of a
better cause.

May, all this time, was cheerfully climbing step by step; sometimes
fainting--sometimes stumbling--sometimes falling, but ever rising with
renewed strength up the steep and narrow way of Calvary. Her uncle's
distrustful manner--his harsh language--his angry looks, with Helen's
apparent apostasy, and haughty demeanor, were trials which required the
constant replenishing of grace in her soul, to bear with patience. But
Father Fabian bid her to be of good cheer; the divine sacraments of the
Church strengthened and consoled her by their sweet and mighty power;
and like waters returning cool and purified to their source, or dews
gently falling to the earth from which they had risen, in blessing and
refreshment, her daily visits to old Mabel, so full of charity and
good-will, filled her with indescribable happiness.

Mrs. Jerrold insisted on furnishing Helen's _trousseau_, while she was
occupied every day in selecting expensive furniture for a house her
uncle had settled on her, with permission to furnish it without regard
to cost, on condition that she was married by a Protestant minister.
She was telling May, with great glee and pride, about her purchases,
when she suddenly paused, and exclaimed,

"You need not look so grave, May. I presume my marriage will be as
legal and respectable as if the ceremony was performed by a priest."

"As legal as any other civil rite. But, Helen, you know that the
Church acknowledges no such marriages amongst her children. Her
precepts teach that marriage, to be legal, must also be sacramental.
It _is_ a sacrament; one which is held in high esteem and respect by
the Church, and no Catholic can contract it otherwise, without censure.
In case you persist, your marriage will not be recognized by the Church
as valid, or your offspring legitimate."

"I shall have a great many to keep me in countenance," replied Helen,
coldly. "I have no idea of submitting to every thing; Jerrold would
not, I am sure, consent to being married by a Catholic priest, and I do
not intend to thwart him, as I consider it a matter of very little
importance."

"Helen, listen to me. You must listen to me. It shall be the last
time, if you will only be patient. There is an