d just passed, had given him some
clue to their whereabouts, which he had immediately followed up.

"I am now," said he, "on the eve of starting for Europe. America has no
tie of kindred for me; I've not a relative living in all this broad
land, and I shall launch myself upon the waves of the Atlantic
to-morrow, no doubt for the last time, before sinking into the vast
ocean of eternity, whose waves are ever loudly beating on the shores of
time. I hope to end my days on classic ground; and to have my grave
swept by those breezes which have fanned the brows of the great masters,
whose works I have loved. Thus, I shall die happy. Sometimes," said he,
taking Della's hand, and smiling upon her the same smile which had so
lightened her heart months before, "sometimes give a thought to the old
man, whose bones will drop to dust in foreign lands, but who, to the
latest hour of his existence, will cherish his love and fond remembrance
of you."

With one more earnest pressure of the hand, he bade them farewell; and
with sad hearts, Della and her husband waved back his last adieu, and
saw him pass from their sight, for the last time, for ever. Upon turning
to re-enter the house, a folded paper, lying on the table where the
General's hat had stood, attracted Della's attention. She found it
directed to herself, and upon opening it found it contained a check for
one hundred thousand dollars, upon one of the city banks, left for her
as a parting gift from him, who, though he could not be her husband, had
proved himself her friend.

"Oh, Bernard!" exclaimed Della, as she realized the fortune which had so
unexpectedly fallen to her lot; "let us at once leave this place. We
have no friends here. My parents, who have disowned me, I haven't even
the claim of love upon; and there are no ties, save Minny's grave, and
the friendship of a few constant hearts, to bind us here. These, sooner
or later, must be broken at last, and I would rather seek some home,
wherein to spend the residue of our days, free from the sad
associations which cluster here."

To this proposition Bernard consented; and immediate preparations were
made to depart for the Isle of Cuba, that gem of the Antilles, whose
sparkling lustre has won the admiration of the world.

Before their departure, Della caused a marble tomb to be erected over
Minny's remains. The design was simple and elegant, and the marble as
pure as the cold young heart it covered. It bore the simple