The Wedge of Gold

orning at breakfast Jack mentioned that it was Tuesday; that next day would be the annual celebrated Derby Wednesday; that he

d go on beyond Surrey, down to the seashore in Sussex, where an old uncle of Rose's resided, for a few days' visit. This was, after some discussion, agreed upon; whereup

ying she wanted to talk with him. He swung a chair around for Mrs. Hamlin, and when she was seated he took another chair opposite, say

have seen a look on your face sometimes, which, it seemed to me, if set to words would say: 'I would give anything in the world to be out of this

before as I have been in your house. There is nothing lacking, nothing; and w

it a business trouble? Will you not test o

e something, but it is not business, that distresses me. Bu

dy, "I want to know it.

met Jack: we were friends; how close at last you do not know. We started east; he accompanied me to my childhood's home. After a brief visit I came with him to his. I have been three weeks under your roof; I am bound by a promise to remain until Jack's marriage, and, in the meantime, in spite of myself, I, the farmer, the cowboy, and the miner, have dared to

ed out in a torrent; his face was pale; he

. Then, looking up, she said: "

word," he

to G

n, believe me,

dgment would be that you go directly to Grace and ask her help. I have not the slightest idea of her sentiments toward you, but if she doe

u willing that I shall speak to her, tha

here; but if Grace loves you I shall be most glad. And one thing more. Should Grace be willing to accept your attentions, for the present, please, do not speak to Mr. Haml

n her face became grave, and she leaned over the

great light; and when he removed them his lips were moving and his face wore a softe

arked. Mr. Hamlin had been called away to Scotland for two or three days on business. Mrs. Hamlin, Grace and Sedgwick passed into the

d in a moment began to sing. The piece

back to me, Do

likeness

faithful, so l

uglas, tend

ll in the voice of Grace

ched the fourth

worthy of y

orthy the

side seem to me

Douglas, ten

tone very much like a so

to the side of Grace while sh

s Grace. Your voice vibrates in it

he frankly

d and said: "If you are in trouble,

ve into the eyes of the young man, said: "You are mos

nt and then said: "My heart is likewise

a sorrow, and if there is any balm

ways tried to meet my fate resignedly. Now I am overborne. Since the first hour I met you, first looked into your divine face, first felt your hand-clasp and heard your voice, my heart has been on fire. Yo

t lamp is lighted under a translucent shade; her eyes grew moist, her lips quivered, she trembled in every li

ed: "Is it true? Is it true?

u are so very, very blind! My soul has been call

ravishing smile, said: "Do you know, dearest

iful, what will your friends say

prove foolish enough to marry a simple English girl

e was: "My

e for, our friends or ourselves? I will tell you. If ever I shall be permitted to become so blessed as to be your wife,

h bowed head, in a whisper, he added: "May I be worthy of such a ble

hat is due to every mortal; no mortal can have more tha

Rose should be married. But Sedgwick mentioned Mrs. Hamlin's desire that for the present no one should know of his love or of hers (i

t all day, and until late at night. My mother is good, and will not much disturb us. I can look in your eyes every day, kiss you sometimes, and feel your presence like a robust spirit near me all the time." Then, suddenly pausing for an instant, she again broke out w