In the path of probity and fidelity many a noble struggle has been maintained by woman. Plied by bribes and fair promises to depart from rectitude, she has boldly shaken off the tempter, risen superior to the trial, and nobly conquered. Helen Walker, the Jeanie Deans, of Sir Walter Scott, refusing the slightest departure from veracity, even to save the life of her sister; nevertheless showed her fortitude in rescuing her from the severity of the law, at the expense of personal exertions, which the time rendered as difficult as the motive was laudable. Isabel was accused of the murder of her own child! Poor Helen was called as the principal witness. The counsel for the prisoner gave her to understand that one means existed by which the unhappy girl might escape. “If,” said he, “you can declare that Isabel made the slightest preparation for her expected babe, or that she informed you by the merest chance word of the circumstances in which she was placed, such a statement will save your sister’s life!” “I cannot,” she replied; “not even to save her, will I swear a falsehood; whatever may be the consequence, I must give my oath according to my conscience.” In vain Isabel tried to shake her resolution. Though sorely moved, Helen remained inflexible. Isabel was found guilty, and condemned to die. Without a moment’s hesitation, Helen drew up a petition, setting forth the harrowing circumstances of the case; and finding that six weeks must elapse before the sentence could be carried into effect, she left Dumfries that same night. Barefooted she commenced her journey, and reached London in the shortest possible time. Without introduction or recommendation of any kind, she went at once to the house of her countryman the Duke of Argyle, and managed to obtain an interview with him. She entered wrapped in her Scotch plaid, and the statement of her sister’s unhappy case in her hand. If she had lost heart at this critical moment, and abandoned her purpose, Isabel’s life would have been forfeited. But the heroic girl advanced her simple arguments with such convincing energy and bold determination, that the noble lord embraced her cause with all the warmth of a generous nature. His representations were favourably received, the pardon was consigned to her care, and Helen returned to Dumfries, still on foot, in time to save her sister’s life. There are on record innumerable instances of tenacity of purpose displayed by females, but rendered so revolting by the details of unparalleled cruelty and superstition which accompanied them, that they are passed over here. It is consolation to know that, for those heroic women who remained “faithful unto death” is reserved the “crown of life,” as an imperishable and eternal portion. _MODESTY._ What Pope said or sung was, we believe, a libel on the sex: “Most women have no character at all.”