"My heart alive, miss, what do I see at your watch-chain?
How they sparkle! Might I ask for a closer view ?" Emily's fingers trembled; but she succeeded in detaching the locket from the chain.

Alban handed it to Mrs.Rook.
She began by admiring the diamonds--with a certain reserve.

"Nothing like so large as Sir Jervis's diamonds; but choice specimens no doubt.
Might I ask what the value-- ?" She stopped.

The inscription had attracted her notice: she began to read it aloud: "In loving memory of my father.

Died--" Her face instantly became rigid.