134 ALL IS NOT GOLD THAT GLITTERS.

Granted, fully and truly ; woman’s first vir-
tue is untainted, but that is not her only one ;
forgive me. I have no right to judg: or dic-
tate, nor to give an unasked opinion; I am
grateful for your kindness; but my child, given
to me as a blessing for time and a treasure for
eternity, must remain beneath my roof until her
mind and character are formed.”’

‘You are mad, Rose; consider her future
happiness ”

“Oh, Helen! are you more happy than your
humble cousin 2?”

‘‘She would be brought up in the sphere I
was thrust into, and have none of the conten-
tions I have had to endure,” said Helen.

‘¢ A sphere full of whirlpools and quicksands,”
replied the mother. “The fancy you have
taken to her might pass away. She might be
taught the bitterness of eating a dependant’s
bread, and the soft and luxurious habits of her
early days would unfit her for bearing so heavy
a burden; it would be in vain then to recall her
to her humble home; she would have lost all
relish for it. It might please God to take you
after a few years, and my poor child would be
returned to what she would then consider pov-
erty. Urge me no more, I entreat you.”

Helen’s face grew red and pale by turns.
“You mock at and mar my purposes,” she
said. ‘My husband was struck by the beauty
of that child, and I longed to see her; but I am