She had, at first, intended to keep it. Her husband had been intensely devoted to horses, and she, through his influence had cultivated a fondness she had always had for them, and which had steadily increased; but, the words of Thomas caused her to dismiss any idea she might have entertained toward harboring the gift. The brougham stopped in front of the lawyer’s office. Presently that gentleman stepped forward and greeted her at the window. He soon verified the truthfulness of the statement of Thomas concerning the sale, adding that, despite the vehement protests of the trainer, he had deemed it unwise to reject the very extraordinary offer of Mr. Grannan. Mr. Grannan, though, he continued, was known as an exceptionally fine judge of horses, and enjoyed a most enviable reputation among horsemen for the prodigious success his skill had achieved for him. She informed him of her determination now, to absent herself from the city for perhaps an unusual time, and requested that all necessary letters of credit should be at once prepared and forwarded to her. Then, signaling the footman and designating the cathedral, she bade the attorney adieu. III Walter Grannan, who was conversing with some of his fellow-members at the club, which was situated on a corner near the cathedral, was now coming hastily forward towards her, just as she had alighted from her brougham and ordered it not to await her, saying, she would walk home. “It is very fortunate—at least for me,” he said. “I did so want to see you.” “I am going away to-morrow, and—of course it’s about the horse,” she said, pleasantly. He smiled as he noted the charm of her face. “I am to hope; then, that you will accept her?” “Oh, but I just can’t,” she said, “while I must thank you so much for asking me.” In a moment she was sorry almost that she had said it. His expression touched her; and, though she could not satisfy herself why she should care—what were the expressions of men’s faces to her?—still, the twit was there. She felt it keenly as she now gazed steadfastly ahead, as they walked slowly and silently along in the direction of the marble church. “I also am decided to go away to-morrow,” she said, at length, in a quiet tone. Nothing was said in reply. The great spire of the cathedral towered above her. The tones of the organ came throbbing from within. A funeral cortege entered. There was a coffin, piled high with wreaths of flowers. There the same dread pomp and circumstance of death that was attendant upon her husband. She shuddered as she turned aside her head. Yes! Yes! She would go—go to-morrow. She must go! In her nervousness her handkerchief dropped from her hand.