“Mother, mother, up in heaven! Stand upon the jasper sea And be witness I have given All the gifts required of me; Hope that blessed me, bliss that crowned, Love that left me with a wound, Life itself that turned around.” --MRS. BROWNING. An evil fatality seemed to attend all events connected with Margaret Helmstedt. The letter mailed at midnight night, by being one minute too late for the post, was delayed a whole week, and until it could do no manner of good. The little packet schooner, _Canvas Back_, Captain Miles Tawney, from Washington to Norfolk, on board which Ralph Houston, the next morning, embarked, when but thirty-six hours out got aground below Blackstone’s Island, where she remained fast for a week. And thus it unhappily chanced that Major Helmstedt, who reached Washington, on his way home, a few days after the departure of the Houstons from the city, and took passage in the first packet for Buzzard’s Bluff, arrived thither the first of the returning soldiers. Having no knowledge or suspicion of the important events that had occurred, he caused himself and his baggage to be landed upon the beach, below the mansion, in which he naturally expected to find his daughter dwelling in honor and security. Leaving his trunks in charge of a loitering negro--whom he had found upon the sands, and who, to his hasty inquiries, had answered that all the family were well--he hurried up to the house. He was met at the door by a servant, who, with ominous formality, ushered him into the parlor, and retreated to call his mistress. Mrs. Houston soon entered, with a pale face, trembling frame, and a half-frightened, half-threatening aspect, that greatly surprised and perplexed Major Helmstedt, who however, arose with stately courtesy to receive and hand the lady to a chair. After respectfully saluting and seating his hostess, he said: “My daughter Margaret, madam--I hope she is well?” “Well, I am sure I hope so, too; but Margaret is not with us!” replied the little lady, looking more frightened and more threatening than before. “How, madam, Margaret not with you?” exclaimed Major Helmstedt, in astonishment, that was not free from alarm. “No, sir. You must listen to me, major--it could not be helped,” replied Nellie, who straightway began, and with a manner half-deprecating and half-defiant, related the story of Margaret’s indiscretions, humiliations, and final expulsion. Major Helmstedt listened with a mighty self-control. No muscle of his iron countenance moved. When she had concluded, he arose, with a cold and haughty manner. “Slanders, madam--slanders all! I can say no more to a lady, however unworthy of the courtesy due to her sex. But I shall know how to call the men of her family to a strict account for this insult.” And, throwing his hat upon his head, he strode from the room.