"No--I think it very pretty--I wear it for mamma's sake." The boy folded his arms, and turning half away from her said, scornfully, as if to himself: "She wears it _proudly_, for it shines With costly gems, a radiant thing'-- A worthier emblem of the times To Fashion's court she could not bring. "Made fast with chain of precious gold, She dons it with her gala-dress:-- It shines amid the silken fold-- Sin clasps it with a bold caress. "It is no burden as she treads Through Pleasure's paths in open day; No threat'ning shadow ever spreads From those rich jewels round her way "She clasps it in her vainest mood, (That awful symbol lightly worn,) Forgetful that 'tis stained with blood, And has the Prince of Glory borne' "Oh strange forgetfulness! She sees No circling Crown of Thorns hung there' Droops ne'er beneath it to her knees' Is never driven by it to prayer! "It lies no weight upon her breast-- It speaks no warning to her heart-- It lends no guiding light--at best Is but a gaud in Folly's mart. "Go! hide the glittering thing from sight! Go! bear the cross in worthier guise' The soul-worn crucifix sheds light That in no paltry bauble lies." As he finished the recitation, or improvisation, whichever it might be, the youth quietly turned toward the maiden, lifted the slight chain which secured the ornament over her head, and glancing at the "bauble" contemptuously, flung it far into the water. She was so astonished that, though his movement was comprehended, she made no attempt to stay his purpose--her eyes followed his hand, and the bright golden cross as it flashed on the waves and disappeared--then she turned away, without speaking, as if to leave him. "Stay!" he said, and she stopped short--"come and sit down here beside me," but she looked at him as though she did not hear.