us stones are but vanity of vanities, a
snare to many, and the root of all evil. By the time you claim
these, I trust you will have found how easy it is to dispense with
them, and that you will despise them as much as I do.

"They have never brought me any happiness, and I am uncertain
whether it is a kindness to bequeath to you what to me has been but
an irksome encumbrance. After giving long and earnest thought to
the matter, I have decided to leave it in the hands of destiny.

"I shall lay by these possessions in the hidden chamber, the
existence of which was told me by my grandfather, and now is
unknown to any except myself. I have concealed the secret, however,
in an enigma, which, if you have followed my advice concerning the
study of Botany, you will have found written inside the cover of
the _Floral Calendar_.

"Should Heaven ordain that you are to take up this burden, then you
will read my riddle aright. Should it be otherwise decreed, this
message will never meet your eyes. Believe me that I have striven
to act for your best good.

"From your uncle and well-wisher,
"GILES PEMBERTON COURTENAY."

"He seemed quite afraid for me to have this money," faltered poor
Monica, on whom the letter had left a deep impression. "Shall I regret
it? Is it really such a dangerous thing?"

"Not if you make a wise use of it. In your hands I hope it may prove a
blessing instead of a curse," answered the Rector.

"It does not seem to have brought any happiness to Uncle Giles. He calls
it a burden."

"Riches can never bring happiness unless they are being employed for the
benefit of others."

"It is sad to think how long these have lain idle," remarked Miss
Russell. "Monica will be able to do much good with them."

"Then you are sure I may take them?" asked Monica, turning to her
guardian. "I didn't find out the enigma myself, you see."

"I am certain you may receive the legacy without scruple, my dear child!
Your uncle himself said he had left matters to the disposal of destiny.
It appears to me as if Lindsay and Cicely had been led just at the right
time to this happy discovery. You must accept your fortune as a special
gift of Providence. So far it has been a talent laid up in a napkin; it
can now be your care to let it yield ten talents in return."

* * * * *