"I will remain at home, Uncle Stillinghast," said Helen, quickly; "do you go, May."
"Do you go, miss, and let her stay at home; d'ye hear me?" he exclaimed.
"Indeed, sir, I wish to remain at home. I have no desire at all to go this morning," expostulated Helen.
"Ar'n't you a papist?" he inquired, turning suddenly, and confronting her.
"I am a Catholic, sir, but—but," she stammered.
"But what?" he asked, sharply.
"I do not care so much about going to church as May does," she replied, lifting her handsome brown eyes to his angry countenance.
"Oh, Helen!" exclaimed May, with an imploring look.
"This is quite my affair," said Helen, with a haughty air.
"You've got more sense than I gave you credit for," said Mr. Stillinghast, with a low, peculiar laugh. "Don't go any more unless you choose."