"
For some time Mr. Steel sat musing.
"This is a new experience," he said, at length. "Something outside
of the common order of things. I have made hundreds of investments
in my time, but none that paid me down so large an interest. A poor
speculation it seemed. You almost dragged me into it; but, I see
that it will yield unfailing dividends of pleasure."
"We have turned a leaf in the book of life," his friend made answer,
"and on the new page which now lies before us, we find it written,
that in wise dispensation, not in mere getting and hoarding, lies
the secret of happiness. The lake must have an outlet, and give
forth its crystal waters in full measure, if it would keep them pure
and wholesome, or, as the Dead Sea, it will be full of bitterness,
and hold no life in its bosom."
IX.
WAS IT MURDER, OR SUICIDE?
"_WHO_ is that young lady?"
A slender girl, just above the medium height, stood a moment at the
parlor door, and then withdrew. Her complexion was fair, but
colorless; her eyes so dark, that you were in doubt, on the first
glance, whether they were brown or blue. Away from her forehead and
temples, the chestnut hair was put far back, giving to her
finely-cut and regular features an intellectual cast. Her motions
were easy, yet with an air of reserve and dignity.
The question was asked by a visitor who had called a little while
before.
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