The Amethyst Box

d. You shall follow my three friends into the room. Accord

, and before either of the girls had a c

g guardian. I also wish to say in the light of this sad event, that I am ready, if propriety so exacts, to postpone the ceremony which I hoped would unite our lives to-day. Yo

y, though the hint he strove to convey of impending trouble was meant as much for her as for his affianced bride. In another m

he asked earnestly, as she sat

our consideration," she suddenly burst out-"and should be glad to tell you at this moment what to expect; but-give me a little

thy

go?" sh

otest, touched her on the shoulder.

arrangements to be made. Mrs. Armstrong has instructed me to question you in regard to these, as the one best acquainted with Mrs. Lansing's affairs and general tastes. We

o blank and uncomprehending that he just li

the chair where he had often seen her sit of her own a

t understand-I am frightened-what have yo

just a minute, he faltered in his purpo

sed her softly on the forehead. "Be qui

to the library and shut the conservatory door behind him. I am n

bent and thoughtful, as though she were inwardly debating whether to stand her ground or fly. Sinclair gave her no further opportunity

pare Gilbertine; would that I could spare you. But circumstances f

f the hand under his clasp had been cold, it wa

g and pallid, her released hand

e box. I took it from its hiding-place when

lanced at it; her eyes were fixed in terror on his face and h

to be m

that you had taken it, I would have repeated to you how deadly were the contents, and how da

nctively her form ros

ittle box since you took i

es

know it to

the spring, and the

en more slowly and with infinite m

him with a noble dignity which at once

s vial found?"

xchanged positions. When he did speak it was in a low

wished to give you an opportunity to explain. I begin to think you can-but how, God only knows. The box was hidden in yo

an iota of her

took it," she acknowledged as she saw the flush rise to his cheek. "I took it; but with no worse motive than the dishonest one of

r confession and her attitude so

nd of self-respect and could now enter into the sufferings of those about her. "This I think it right to make plain to you. I supposed the vial to be in the box when I took it, but when I got to my r

truggles for the life slowly but inexorably leaving him, Sinclair cas

d they have to look for you? And who w

but with an earnestness

the shelf from which I had taken it. At all events, I found myself on the little staircase in the rear when t

wed hope he seize

er own lips; who shrieked when she felt her vitals gripped. Had you stayed you would have known

e sacrificed. It was a younger throat than my aunt's which gave utteranc

e to face that library door, when suddenly I heard a hoarse cry break from within and saw the door fly open and Dorothy come hurrying out. She shrank w

t I knew that our positions were again reversed and, without stopping to give heed to m

, and it was minutes before he s

Her fingers where they gripped my arm must have left marks behind them. But I saw only womanly nervousness where a man less blind would have detected guilt

nervous way which went to my heart of hearts. Gently remov

rtine? I thought you had entirely dissociated her with this matter an

a previous hand. Do you remember the white silk train which Mr. Armstrong s

I drew back and asked if I should ta

ok his

makes any difference. But if yo

advanced to the conservatory door. I studiously looked a

ld hear him rushing about among the palms. Pre

ere was another door comm

of scattered roses. Never shall I forget his face. The dimness of the spot could not h

ed immediately after leaving the library, and I found my way to my own room alone. It may seem callous in me, but I fell asleep very soon after, and did not wake till roused by a knoc

at counsel I could to the Armstrongs. God forgive me, but I have said nothing to any one of what has made this affair an awful trag

id not meet, and neither voi

clared. "I have written this line to Gil

laced the note in it, and I was to

alone. I shall request the use of one of the little reception-rooms this morning. L

fellow! so I soon stopped and he presently left the room. I immediately made myself as presentable as a night of unprecedente

se waiting for some one to descend who could give me news concerning Miss Murray. For I had small expectation of her braving the eyes of these strangers, and doubted if even Dorothy would be seen at the breakfast-table. But little Miss Lane, if small, was gifted with a great appetite. She would be sure to appear prior to the last summons, and as we were good friends, she would listen to my questions and give me the answer I needed for the carrying out of Sinclair's wishes. But

, and it was with difficulty that the courteous host on his return escaped the questions and detaining hands of some of his more inquisitive guests. A pleasant word, an amiable smile he h

st. Instantly the hum of voices ceased, and young and old turned toward the dining-room, but the host did not enter with them. Before the younger and more active of his guests could reach his side he had slid into the room which I have before described as set apart for the display of Gilbertine's wedding-presents. Instantly I lost all inclination for breakfast and lingered about in the hall until every one had passed me, even

reakfast, adding that he had been very much affected by the affairs of the ni

ediately. It is about a little Italian trinket which I