nd somewhat awkwardly with his
huge hands unfastened the left side of his cassock, and tore the silk
from the lining. Monsieur le Cure's cassock seemed a cabinet of
oddities. First he pulled from this ingenious hiding-place a crucifix,
which he replaced; then a knot of white ribbon, which he also
restored; and, finally, a tiny pocket or bag of what had been
cream-coloured satin, embroidered with small bunches of heartsease,
and which was aromatic with otto of roses. Awkwardly, and somewhat
slowly, he drew out of this a small locket, in the centre of which was
some unreadable legend in cabalistic-looking character, and which
blazed with the finest diamonds. Heaven alone knows the secret of that
gem, or the struggle with which the priest yielded it. He put it into
Antoine's hand, talking as he did so partly to himself and partly to
the gaoler.

"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out. The diamonds are of the finest, Antoine, and will sell
for much. The blessing of a dying priest upon you if you do kindly,
and his curse if you do ill to this poor child, whose home was my home
in better days. And for the locket--it is but a remembrance, and to
remember is not difficult!"

As the last observation was not addressed to Antoine, so also he did
not hear it. He was discontentedly watching the body of the Viscount,
whom he consented to help, but with genuine weak-mindedness consented
ungraciously.

"How am I to get him there? Monsieur le Cure sees that he cannot stand
upon his feet."

Monsieur le Cure smiled, and stooping, picked his old pupil up in his
arms as if he had been a baby, and bore him to one of the doors.

"You must come no further," said Antoine, hastily.

"Ingrate!" muttered the priest in momentary anger, and then, ashamed,
he crossed himself, and pressing the young nobleman to his bosom with
the last gush of earthly affection that he was to feel, he kissed his
senseless face, spoke a benediction to ears that could not hear it,
and laid his burden down.

"GOD the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with thee
now and in the dread hour of death. Adieu! we shall meet hereafter."

The look of pity, the yearning of rekindled love, the struggle of
silenced memories passed from his face and left a shining
calm--foretaste of the perpetual Light and the eternal Rest.

Before he reached the other prisoners, the large thumb had found its
old place in the little book, the l