“Gently and respectfully; oh, so very respectfully so painfully respectfully, Helen,” replied Evangeline, with more animation. “In all innocence, I am sure I arranged with him to meet me. I--I don’t think he asked me to do so--I am sure I do not recollect that he did. No, I was so very, very anxious to learn tidings of you, that, in fear of papa, I think I said I would come where I could hear what he had to communicate unheard by any one but myself. He always met me and treated me as one, oh, so far superior to himself; and now that we have all been thrown into such deep distress, he is yet more deferential and respectful than ever. Not distant, Helen, but as if he thought me a princess now, if I had been a lady before. Nay, he would not have deserted me and mamma, though we had have been thrust forth by the cruel officers into the street, for he said he would have provided a home for us”---- “A home!” echoed Helen, hoarsely; she believed the realization of her fears was coming now. “Yes, with his sister Lotte--you know her well, Helen--she is very amiable, I believe; but you, who lived with her for some time, can best tell.” Helen looked upon Eva perfectly astounded. “This--this young man’s name is----?” she asked, pausing at the last word. “Clinton,” replied Eva, softly. Helen drew a long breath, rose and paced the room again. After a few turns, she took her sister in her arms, and said-- “He is worthy of your love, Eva; for I doubt not that you have won his heart”---- “Oh, Helen!” “I think it is clear; and, in such a case, he has acted nobly. I owe a debt to his dear sister, which, though it is my intention to endeavour to acknowledge to the best of my ability, is yet one that can never be repaid; and for her loved and loving brother Charley--well, Eva, when this cloud which has settled upon our house has passed away--the storm is in its intensity now--we shall see, darling”---- There was a gentle knock at the door as she concluded; and, on the permission to enter being given, the subject of their conversation entered. His face was pale, as though he had suffered a great shock; his mien was sad, even solemn. Both Eva and Helen noticed it; instantly, together, they exclaimed--“In Heaven’s name, what has happened?” “I am the bearer of most distressing news to you, young ladies,” he replied, in a grave, subdued tone. “It costs me great pain to fulfil the office, but I have undertaken it, that the announcement may have nothing added to its poignancy by abrupt thoughtlessness.” The two sisters clung to each other, and looked upon him affrighted. “Let me prepare you,” he said, “to receive painful intelligence respecting your father.” “Dead!” broke from Helen’s lips, with a groan. Charley bowed his head; and the sisters burst into tears, though their lamentations bore no outward violence of gesture.