a hymn to the Heavenly powers, as consecrated as an _Ave Maria_, or as Rossini's 'Inflammatus.' Are we lower than the bees, who wisely discriminate between pure honey and poisonous sweets? Touching these things, Lowell has nobly set us an example of 'Pleading for whatsoever touches life With upward impulse: be He nowhere else, God is in all that liberates and lifts, In all that humbles, sweetens, and consoles,' I think that in the matters you mention, you may safely defer to your guardian's wishes, bearing always in mind this fact, that he professes no religious faith; and praying God's Holy Spirit to guide you, and keep your heart faithful and pure." Regina longed to ask something more explicit concerning the stage, but the thought of her mother peremptorily forbade a discussion that seemed to imply censure of her profession. "There is the bell for service. Are you not going to church this afternoon?" "No, dear, I am not very well; and besides, I promised to stay at home, and see a poor old friend, who has no time to visit during the week, and is just now in great affliction. You are not afraid to go alone?" "Not afraid, Mrs. Mason, still I wish you could go with me. When you answer dear Mrs. Lindsay's letter ask her not to forget me, and tell her I am trying to do right in all things, as far as I can see my way. Good-bye, Mrs. Mason." She bent her head, so that the faded placid lips could kiss her cheek, and went out into the quiet street. Instead of turning homeward, she hastened in an opposite direction, toward a small brick church whose bell was ringing, and whose afternoon service she had several times attended with Mrs. Mason. Walking more slowly as she approached the building, she had not yet reached it, when steps which she had heard behind her for several minutes, paused at her side. "Regina, is this the way home?" "Good-evening, Mr. Palma. I am going to church." Although he had been absent a week he did not even offer his hand, and it never occurred to her to remind him of the omission. "Are you in the habit of coming here alone? If so, your visits to this neighbourhood cease." "Mrs. Mason has always accompanied me until this after noon, and as she could not leave home I came alone." "I prefer you should not attend strange churches without a companion, and now I will see you safely home." She looked up, saw a few persons ascending the broad steps, and her soul rose in rebellion; "What possible harm can overtake me in God's house? Don't try to stand between me and my duty." "Do you not consider obedience to my wishes part of your duty?" "Sometimes, sir; but not when it conflicts with my conscience." "What is conscience?" "The feeling God put into my soul when He gave it to me, to teach me right from wrong."