d make birthday presents of them in my
name. This is for Florence--this, I hope Emily will not refuse."

"But do not go. I entreat you not to go. I feel so certain that if you
stay we shall all be so happy together. There is so much, besides, to
talk over; and as to those beautiful things, for I know they must be
beautiful--"

"They are curious in their way," said he, carelessly opening the clasp
of one of the cases, and displaying before her amazed eyes a necklace of
pearls and brilliants that a queen might wear.

"Oh, Colonel Calvert, it would be impossible for my niece to accept such
a costly gift as this. I never beheld anything so splendid in my life."

"These ear-drops," he continued, "are considered fine. They were said to
belong to one of the wives of the King of Delhi, and were reputed the
largest pearls in India."

"The girls must see them; though I protest and declare beforehand
nothing on earth should induce us to accept them."

"Let them look well at them, then," said he, "for when you place them in
my hands again, none shall ever behold them after."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that I'll throw them into the lake yonder A rejected gift is too
odious a memory to be clogged with."

"You couldn't be guilty of such rash folly?"

"Don't you know well that I could? Is it to-day or yesterday that the
Calvert nature is known to you? If you wish me to swear it, I will do
so; and, what is more, I will make you stand by and see the water close
over them."

"Oh, you are not changed--not in the least changed," she cried, in a
voice of real emotion.

"Only in some things, perhaps," said he, carelessly. "By-the-way, this
is a miniature of me--was taken in India. It is a locket on this side.
Ask Emily to wear it occasionally for my sake."

"How like! and what a splendid costume!"

"That was my dress in full state! but I prefer my service uniform, and
think it became me better."

"Nothing could become you better than this," said she, admiringly;
and truly there was good warrant for the admiration; "but even this is
covered with diamonds!"

"Only a circlet and my initials. It is of small value. These are the
baubles. Do what you will with them; and now good-bye. Tanti saluu, as
we used to say long ago to the ladies--Tanti saluu de la parte mia. Tell
Milly she is very naughty not to have given me her hand to kiss before
we parted; but if she will condescend to wear this locket, now and then,
I'll forgive