"You said in your letter you had no money. You have refused father's--
you will not refuse mine? It is very little. It is all I have. Take
it!"
A bright object glistened before his eyes, and fell with a metallic
chink at his feet. He looked down. A small silk purse containing coin,
with a blue ribbon attached, was seen lying upon the ground.
The young man raised it, and, holding it in one hand, hesitated for a
moment--as if he had thoughts of accepting it. It was not that,
however, but another thought that was passing in his mind.
His resolve was soon taken.
"Thanks!" said he. "Thanks, cousin Kate!" he added, with increasing
warmth. "_You_ have meant kindly, and though we may never meet again--"
"Oh, say not so!" interrupted the young girl, with an appealing look.
"Yes," continued he, "it is probable we never shall. Here there is no
home for me. I must go hence; but, wherever I may go, I shall not soon
forget this kindness. I may never have an opportunity of repaying it--
you are beyond the necessity of aught that a humble relative could do
for you; but remember, Kate Vaughan! should you ever stand in need of a
strong arm and a stout heart, there is one of your name who will not
fail you!
"Thanks!" he repeated, detaching the ribbon from the bag, and flinging
the latter, with its contents, back through the open window. Then,
fastening the ribbon to the breast-button of his coat, he added: "I
shall feel richer with the possession of this token than with all the
wealth of your father's estate. Farewell! and God bless you, my
generous cousin!"
Before the young Creole could repeat her offer, or add another word of
counsel or consolation, he had turned the angle of the building, and
passed out of sight.
Volume One, Chapter XX.