Meanwhile Aunt Lucy, whose thoughts were also occupied with Paul's
approaching departure, had taken from the pocket of her OTHER dress--for
she had but two--something wrapped in a piece of brown paper. One by one
she removed the many folds in which it was enveloped, and came at length
to the contents.

It was a coin.

"Paul will need some money, poor boy," said she, softly to herself, "I
will give him this. It will never do me any good, and it may be of some
service to him."

So saying she looked carefully at the coin in the moonlight.

But what made her start, and utter a half exclamation?

Instead of the gold eagle, the accumulation of many years, which she had
been saving for some extraordinary occasion like the presents she held
in her hand--a copper cent.

"I have been robbed," she exclaimed indignantly in the suddenness of her
surprise.

"What's the matter now?" inquired Mrs Mudge, appearing at the door, "Why
are you not in bed, Aunt Lucy Lee? How dare you disobey my orders?"

"I have been robbed," exclaimed the old lady in unwonted excitement.

"Of what, pray?" asked Mrs. Mudge, with a sneer.