nce of my own life would be small. No,
Penloe, I never would wear a costly ring, not even if you gave it to me;
for it would have a tendency to keep myself and all who saw it in
bondage. This ring is not costly or very attractive, but its history is
rich and the truths cut into it are precious." Here she kissed Penloe
for the ring and spoke again in loving terms concerning Wavernee.

That evening the moon looked down on no happier couple than Penloe and
Stella, for they were both free and attracted towards them all that was
joyous and beautiful in the Universe.

On that porch so sacred in blissful associations, before retiring, they
spent a few minutes in silent prayer, after which I heard them sing so
softly and sweetly, their voices blending in harmony and melody. I never
heard such singing before. I looked up in the starry firmament, and did
my eyes see some of the angelic host looking down on them as they sang?

"If such the sweetness of the streams
What must the fountain be!"

CHAPTER XXII.

THE HERNE PARTY.

Mr. and Mrs. Herne had become greatly interested in Stella, and they
made their house feel like a home to her whenever she favored them with
a visit, which she did many times previous to her living with Penloe in
the mountains. They were very much attracted towards her and loved her,
for she always brought sunshine with her, and her charming presence, her
agreeable manners, together with her fresh, bright, original character,
so sweet and beautiful, could not but help making her a very desirable
member of the Herne family, for they had come to look upon her as such
since her engagement to Penloe, for Penloe to them was a dear brother,
and now they looked upon Stella as a dear sister.

On the evening that Penloe was relating the story of the ring to Stella,
Charles and Clara Herne were sitting on the porch enjoying the beautiful
evening and entertaining themselves in a conversation about the newly
married couple who were expected to come to-morrow and be their guests
for several days.

While they were talking about the leading part Stella had taken on the
sex question, Clara said to her husband: "If Penloe had a wife made to
order he could not have had a more suitable mate than Stella. That match
was made in heaven."

Her husband, who had picked up some of Penloe's ideas, said: "Why,
Clara, she was made to order for him."

Clara laughed and said: "Well, Charles, do you think I was mad