"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."
"That is it," broke in Mr. Jerrold. "Pride is at the bottom of the whole argument. May! this moment you are as proud as the devil!"
"Oh, sir! pray do not think that. I really feel extremely grateful for your kind intentions," said May, looking distressed. "I have other reasons, which I cannot very well explain, for choosing the way of life that I have. Only please to understand this, that I should be very miserable, if I were placed, now, in a situation which would leave me without responsibility."
"You are a paradox. You ought to be ten feet high, May, with such a will as yours. You won't live with us, because we are so wicked that you'd have to preach to us about our sins; and you won't live here, because you're afraid you'll get as bad as we are. Well, well! be happy your own way, and come and see Helen when you can," said Mr. Jerrold, laughing, as he got up to leave.
"I feel your kindness deeply, Mr. Jerrold. I hope you are not hurt or offended?"
"Not in the least. I think you are bearing your wrongs like a saint; and I wish I was only half as good," replied Mr. Jerrold, shaking hands with her.
"Tell Helen that I am thankful for the flowers, and will offer them this evening, with a prayer for her conversion, to OUR MOTHER," said May.