“Yes, hate it! I was glorying in the fact that if I won you I would marry a poor woman. Now--” Darley did not finish his sentence. “You must not talk like that,” said Miss Florence with some asperity. “It is very wrong, and it hurts me, although I know I should be pleased. But I know you love me for all that. Money is a very good thing--God's gift in the hands of those who use it well. There is a great deal of good that we can do with Aunt Mary's money. She was very good herself to the poor, despite her unnatural dislike for Lawrence Severance; and I should like her to know that her mantle had fallen on worthy shoulders. You and I shall use this money to a great purpose.” “But you don't know what a happy thing it has been to me, this thought of winning you and proving my love by earnest work!” “And need that resolve be dissipated?” said Miss Florence, gravely. “You shall do that. There is a great deal of work to be done.” ***** Leonard met Darley on his return, and drew him into the light. “I have won her, Jack!” said the younger man, grasping his friend's hand. “The sweetest and the noblest woman God ever made!” “I see it in your face,” said Leonard, huskily. Even Darley could not fail to notice the change in his friend's voice. “What is the matter, old man?” he exclaimed. “You----” “Nothing, nothing, my boy,” Leonard answered quickly. “But promise me one thing: that you will make her a noble husband, always--always!” Then Darley understood. “Dear old Jack!” he said tenderly. “What a fool I have been! Can you forgive me?” “There is nothing to forgive, my boy--nothing. But you must always be good to her. But never get angry because another man besides yourself worships your wife.” [Illustration: 0265] [Illustration: 0266] THE BEAR 'S-HEAD BROOCH, By Ernest Ingersoll [Illustration: 0267] [Illustration: 0268] [Illustration: 9268] HE story I am about to narrate happened this way, Thomas Burke and I were old schoolmates. But his course and mine had been widely divergent for a score of years, so that by the time he had brought his family back to New York, and our acquaintance could be renewed, many untold things had happened to each. I knew Tom had won his fortune by mining in the Rocky Mountains. It was rumored that his accomplished wife also had wealth in her own right, but Tom never had much to say in regard to his financial matters, and I did not like to question him notwithstanding our intimacy. I had dined with him two Christmases in succession, and now for the third time had eaten my Christmas dinner at his table.