pronounced her largely gifted with concentration and reticence. Good qualities when joined to an honest heart.
“Judith, where was my work-box put?”
“It is here, ma'am, on the drawers.”
“Unlock it, will you. You will find my keys somewhere about. Inside the little compartment that lifts up, you will see a locket set round with pearls.”
Judith did as she was bid, and brought forth the locket. It was a charming little trinket of blue enamel, the gold ring round it studded with pearls, and a place for hair in the front. A very fine gold chain about two inches long was attached, so that it could be worn to a necklace, or pendant to a bracelet.
“Take it, Judith. It is for you.”
“Oh, ma'am!”
“That is my own hair inside; but you can take it out if you like, and put in your sweetheart’s. I daresay you have one.”
“A costly toy like this is not fit for me, ma'am. I could not think of taking it.”
“But it is fit for you, and I am glad to give it you; and I owe you a great deal more than that, for what I should have done without you I don’t know,” reiterated the invalid. “Put it up in your treasure-box, Judith.”
“I’m sure I don’t know how to say enough thanks,” spoke Judith in her gratitude. “I shall keep it to my dying day, dear lady, and store up the hair in it for ever.”
THE OLD HOUSE AT POUND’S BRIDGE.
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