ter spent than in promoting the noble work of the advancement
of Science. The problem is solved, and my earthly cares are at an end.
Leave the copy you brought, and ask Mr. Wolverton to see me to-morrow.
He shall write both the will and the deed of gift, which you think can
be made valid, and meanwhile the annual allowance must be paid as
formerly to the son. Whether I live or die, the wishes of the dead will
be respected, and Prince Darrington shall have his own. It is an
intense relief to know that two innocent and happy lives will never
feel the fatal chill of my shadow; and when your sister enters 'Elm
Bluff' as its mistress, the balance-sheet will be complete."

As if some dreaded task had been finally accomplished, she drew a deep
sigh of weariness that was cut short by a spell of coughing.

"There is a Scriptural injunction concerning kindness to enemies, which
amounts to heaping coals of fire on their heads; and to my unregenerate
nature, it savors more of subtile inquisitorial cruelty, than of
Christian charity."

"Your sister is not my enemy, I hope, and need I so rank your sister's
brother? There is one thing more, which even your sarcasm shall not
prevent."

She drew from beneath the cardboard a paper box, placed it on the table
and removed the lid.

"I presume the Sheriff meant kindly when he sent me this as my
property, which having testified to suit the prosecution, was returned
to the burglar in whose possession it was found. The sight of it was as
humiliating as a blow on the cheek. Some gifts are fatal; nevertheless,
you must ascribe no sinister motive to me, when I fulfil that
injunction of Gen'l Darrington's last Will and Testament, which set
apart these sapphires for his son's bride. They are just as I received
them from his hands. My mother, for whom they were intended, never saw
them; I thank God that she wears the eternal jewels that He provides
for the faithful and the pure in heart. I wish you to deliver this
case, and the gold pieces, one hundred dollars, to Mr. Darrington; and
it will be a mercy to rid me of torturing reminders."

She looked at the azure flame leaping from the superb stones, and
pushed the box away with a gesture of loathing.

"Beautifully blue as those weird nebulae in the far, far South; that
brood over the ocean wastes where cyclones are born; but to me and to
mine, the baleful medium of an inherited curse. Having accomplished my
doom, may they bring only benison t