Give me the
jewel-case that has been in your charge, and the key too, dear. I
have, of course, meant that you should have these things that were so
peculiarly associated with your dear mother's younger days. The watch
you can wear at once, as your own does not seem to keep good time.
Hers was an excellent time-keeper, and it will remind you to be exact
and true, and gentle and holy, like your dear mother. I shall take
real pleasure in seeing you wear it. Go, daughter, at once! I am glad
I thought of something that will please you on your birthday."

Alma obeyed mechanically, and returned quickly with the empty case in
her hand, hoping that when the critical moment came she should be able
to explain herself satisfactorily. She gave the casket into her
father's hands, and waited in a silence so natural under the
circumstances that he did not notice it.

There was no sparkle from the dark cushions, but a sudden, astonished
sparkle in the colonel's eyes. "Empty, Alma! What does this mean?" he
exclaimed.

"I have given them away," she said, blushing very deeply.

"Given them away!" repeated the colonel, slowly and sternly.

"I have given them for a good object, very dear to my heart. I am sure
you would approve of it. Please, papa, do not ask me any more about it
now. I do not want to tell you yet. It is a secret. I have promised,
just to myself, and almost to God, never to tell any one until a
certain thing is accomplished--until I can fully succeed."

"What is the matter with you, child? Have you lost your senses? You
had no right to give away things intrusted to your care. I have told
you that, by your mother's simple will, all she had was left at my
disposition. Am I to be disappointed in both my children?" and the
colonel bowed his head upon his hands.

"Dear papa, you are not to be disappointed in me! I have done nothing
wrong." Here Alma's conscience gave her a sharp prick. Suddenly she
broke out, after a moment's pause, "I want to be like the princess. I
am sure that would please you, papa! You know she sold her jewels for
a home for the sick poor."

The colonel answered seriously: "The princess is a saintly woman, and
you would do well to follow her example. She sold her jewels to build
a home for the aged sick, but she did not do it, princess and grown
woman as she was, until she had asked the consent of her mother and her
brother the king. What have you done, my child? What have