The Broken Emblem.

sion a p in much like the one Avorn by you , and it Avas obtained by me under very painful circumstances—I having taken it from tlie person of a murdered man , Avho was an entire stranger in the countiy whore be Avas slam . I have long sacredly kept that pin" continued be" hoping that

, , some day it Avould , in some manner , bring me to knoAV more of Mm AVIIO once woie it . " Without a word of reply the lady took Colby ' s arm and led Mm to a seat at the further end of the roomand out of bearing

, of her guests . After seating herself beside Mm , she remarked , " I will tell you , sir , the history of tins pin , as'I am satisfied that you IUIOAV more about it than you seem Avilling to reveal . This pin Avas a gift from my

busband . When I Avas but eighteen years of age , I married an American gentleman named Moore , AVIIO Avas travelling for pleasure , and whom I met , loved and married contrary to my parents' Avisbes , Avbile spending a Arbiter in Pome . Soon after our marriage , myself and husband went to Paris , Avbere Ave resided for nearly tAVO years , during Avbieb tune , a son and

daughtertwins , Aveie born to us . Another year passed in almost unalloyed happiness . "Thou a distant relative of my father died , and left Mm heir to a title in England and an immense fortune . My parents Avere now more than eA * ei dissatisfied Avith my

choice of a husband . I Avas their only child , and Avould at their death inherit their wealth and title . They seemed determined to bring about a separation between my husband and myself , to accomplish AVMCII they came to Paris and soon filled my silly

bead Avitb all manner of notions of Avealtb , grandeur , happiness and pleasure I might enjoy if I Avould desert my husband and go borne' A \ dth them . They told me a divorce could readily be obtained , that I could get possession of my childrenand

, thus provide a name and social position for them and myself . In an evil hour I listened to their wicked advice , and taking my son Avitb me , I left my home and came Avith my parents to England . My husband had our daughter out riding with him when

I left his bouse , so I Avas compelled to leave her behind . My parents persuaded me that my husband would soon follow me to England , and Avben there , they Avould easil y find means of restoring my daughter

to me . In this they were mistaken . My husband never came to England . I received one letter from Mm soon after my arrival in London , kindly requesting me to come back to him . By advice of my parents , I haughtily ausAvered Ms letter ,

telling him that I should never live with Mm again . I have novel seen husband or child , or heard tidings of them from that day to this . But I assure you , sir , that if suffering can repay for a Avrong committed , I am amply repaid for the wrong done a

kind and loving husband . Soon after leaving my home , I became convinced that I bad acted very foolishly and wickedly , and I sincerely repented the course I had pursued . My father wanted to procure a divorce for me , but I Avould never consent . In a feiv years my parents both died . My son soon folloAved them to the grave , and

for some four or five years , although surrounded by Avealtb and friends , I have been a lonely , miserable , unhappy Avoman . " " But about that pin , " said Colby , ¦ " you have not told me of that . " " True , " replied the lady , " I bad forgotten the pin . Soon after the birth of

our twins , my husband one day presented the pin to me , and gave a similar one to each of our children , reserving one to himself . I think be said the four when together formed some kind of a Masonic emblem . At the death of my son I took

hit . pin , and have since'kept it in my personal possession ; " and taking lier portmonaie from ber pocket , she took from it a small breast-pin like to the one Avorn by Belle . At this moment the door leading to the next room Avas tbroAvn open , and there earn p . from it the sound of a SAveet voice

that seemed to fill both rooms with melody , as she sang the chorus of that siveet old song , " Home , sweet home , be it ever so humble , There's no place like home . " Colby and bis companion listened until

the song Avas finished , then turning to her once more be said , " What did you say Avas your husband ' s name ?" " Moore , " replied the lady , " LaAvrence Clark Moore . And HOAV , sir , please tell me why you ask so many questions

touching this pin and its history 1 I am sure you liavc some good reason . " " If you Avill lend me those two pins , I Avill answer your inquiry quickly . "