"At any rate, just or not, I knew what would be said," Mrs. Thornton
replied.

"How is it you have never shown the pearl ornaments to me, mother?"

"You were only five years old when they came to me, and I laid them
away at once, and have seldom thought of them since. I have been
thinking that, as they are of no use to me, I should be justified in
selling them for what I can get, and appropriating the proceeds
toward paying your father's debts."

"How much do you think they are worth, mother?"

"A lady to whom I showed them once said they must have cost five
hundred dollars or more."

Grant whistled.

"Do you mind showing them to me, mother?" he asked.

Mrs. Thornton went upstairs, and brought down the pearl necklace and
bracelets. They were very handsome and Grant gazed at them with
admiration.

"I wonder what the ladies would say if you should wear them to the
sewing circle," he said, humorously.

"They would think I was going over to the vanities of this world,"
responded his mother, smiling. "They can be of no possible use to me
now, or hereafter, and I believe it will be the best thing I can do