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294 Helen and I intend to be true poetesses, and admit no thoughts of tables or oysters, unless they be the mothers-of-pearls: and we will not permit the intrusion of gentlemen, especially of those who are called 'Jolly Chirurgeons,' who profess to be independent of the female sex. Yes, mother, I am coming."

'She ran out of the room. Whether our mother called or not I do not know. Helen had smiled archly while Agnes was speaking, but now, finding herself alone, a burning blush suffused her face and neck, and I never saw her looking more lovely. For a short space I stood in awed silence, as in the presence of a superior being; I felt miserably little, and utterly unworthy of her.

'"Helen," I said at last, "I came to speak to you about"

'"About what, Julius?" she said, with an alarmed air. "Has anything gone wrong? What is the matter?"

'"About my unhappiness, Helen; I am very miserable."

'"You miserable, Julius! one of the gayest of the gay, overflowing with high spirits and wit—it cannot be; and, if it is so, why tell me of your unhappiness? you have a father and mother—go to them."

'"Helen, you are clever, you can do many things, can you not minister to a mind diseased? If I am the gayest of the gay, you are, you are—pardon me—the fairest of the fair I Helen, I love you, I worship you!"

'She rose quickly from her chair, and appeared as if about to fly from the room, and replied hurriedly:

'"You are ill, Julius, you are talking nonsense; do not speak to me now, I cannot bear it—love me! a poor dependent girl, it cannot be!"

'"We do not all require our wives to be independent women," I answered, as I look her hand; "be my wife, Helen, my own darling, adored, happy wife! We all love