by his grief,
threw herself at his knees and besought him to believe in her
innocence.

The old man raised himself and looked for a long time in her eyes, and
then said--

"Yes, Mary, you are innocent. That look, where integrity and truth are
painted, cannot be the look of guilt."

"But, my father," asked Mary, "what will be the end of it? What will
they do to us? I do not fear what they may do to me, but the idea that
you may have to suffer on my account is intolerable."

"Have faith in God," answered her father. "Take courage. Not one hair
of our heads can fall to the ground without His permission. All that
happens to us is the will of God, and what more can we wish? Do not be
frightened into saying anything but what is strictly true. If they
threaten you, or if they hold out promises, do not depart a
hair's-breadth from the truth. Keep your conscience free from offence,
for a clear conscience is a soft pillow. Perhaps they will separate us,
and I shall no longer be with you to console; but if this should happen
cling more closely to your heavenly Father. He is a powerful protector
to innocence, and no earthly power can deprive you of His strength."

Suddenly the door opened with a noise, and an officer entered, followed
by two constables. Mary uttered a piercing shriek, and fell into her
father's arms.

"Separate them," cried the officer angrily; "let her father also be put
in custody. Set a watch on the house and garden. Make a strict search
everywhere, and allow no one to enter until the sheriff has made an
inventory."

Mary clung to her father with all her force, but the officers tore her
from the old man's arms. In a fainting state she was carried off to
prison.

The story of the lost ring had spread through the whole village of
Eichbourg, and when Mary and her father were taken through the streets,
the crowd pressed round them filled with curiosity. It was curious to
notice how diverse were the opinions which were pronounced on the old
man and his daughter. They had been kind to all, but there were some
who repaid their kindness by rejoicing in their present affliction.
Although they had accepted the old man's gifts, their jealousy and envy
had been excited by the thought of his superior position.

"Now," they exclaimed maliciously, "we know how it is that James had
always so many good things to give away. If this is what the old man
and his daughter have been doing, it was easy to live in abundance