"Excuse me, ma'am," said Helen, curtseying:

"I leave all such exploits to people who are anxious to become martyrs.
_I_ have no such ambition."




CHAPTER VIII.

TROUBLED WATERS.

"Where are you gadding to now?" said Mr. Stillinghast, who had
encountered May and Helen at the hall-door, on their way out to church.
"Where are you both going?"

"We are going to mass, sir," said May, in her usual quiet, pleasant way.

"One of you stay in. I won't have the house left so; do _you_ stay,
for you are for ever gadding," he said sharply to May.

"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.