Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN THE DARK. 83
reader may remember, introduced in our first chapter,
entered the apartment, into which the new saints had
been conducted, to congratulate them on their happy
escape from a wicked world, to a place of holy quiet
and religious repose.
Maria and Arabella had each known Helen, intimately,
before she became a Catholic and were
warmly attached to her; and they had hoped to experience
great pleasure in renewing their acquaintance
with her in the cloister: but how their hearts were
chilled, to sec what a change had come over the spirit
of Helen I A gloomy superstition had transformed
her, from the cheerful, smiling, bright and lovely
girl she once was; the glow of health and beauty,
had faded; the eye's brilliant sparkle had given place
to a blank, abstracted gaze; the sweet smile of love
had fled the lip-and all her faculties seemed morbidly
absorbed in devotion. Such was the character
of her congratulations, the unnaturalness and coldness
of her manner, that she ministered no comfort to the
burdened hearts of Maria 'and Arabella, but rather
added to their dejection. While she yet discoursed
with them, a wild, startling laugh was heard in an
adjoining room: .
II Be not alarmed," said Helen, "that is poor Isadora
Norwood, Whom Satan has made mad."
" Isadora Norwood gone mad I" exclaimed Anna
Maria, clasping her hands in agony; "Arabella, can
it be the same we knew so well and loved so much ~"