revealed the beloved face of the wife of his youth, and the lovely
vision of their only child? His eagle eyes were dim with tears, and
his hand shook; but, as if ashamed of the weakness, he closed the
jewel case with a snap, and held it out.

"Here--take them. I had intended to give them as a bridal present to
my son's wife, when he marries to suit me--as he certainly will; but
somehow, such a disposal seems hard on my dear Helena's wishes, and
for her sake, I don't feel quite easy about leaving them to Prince's
bride. Your mother never saw them, never knew of their existence.
They are very valuable, and the amount they will bring must relieve
all present necessities. Tell Ellice the sight of the case disturbs
me, like a thorn in the flesh, so I send them away, to rid myself of
an annoyance. She must not thank me; they come from her--dead
mother."

"A knowledge of their history would give her infinitely more pain
than the proceeds of their sale could bring comfort. I would not
stab her aching heart for twenty times the value of the jewels."

"Then sell them, or do as you like. It matters not what becomes of
them, if I am spared in future all reminders of the past. Put them
in your pocket. What? The case is too large? Where is your trunk--
your baggage?"

"I have none, except my basket and shawl."

She picked them up from the carpet near the library door, and
dropped the case into her basket.