Fool's Gold; A Study in Values a Novel (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ... again right away. He told me, too, that I was doing right, and that God would help me, and he talked to me about the picture over his library table. You remember the one I showed you the other day--'Delivered over to the secular arm?' Where the girl--such a pretty frail young creature--has just received her sentence from the Inquisition, and the soldiers are taking hold of her to lead her away to a cruel death. He said love and life were as sweet to her as to us, and yet she had not hesitated to let both go when the call came. And he said I had some of the same blood in my veins--you know my mother was a Huguenot--and he asked me if I would not try to show myself worthy of my ancestors. And I promised him, Una. But I am very weak, and very selfish. I cannot help wishing God had chosen some one else to suffer." "My darling, you have been braver than most girls would be, and I wish I could bear the pain for you.' "That makes me feel mean, Una, but indeed it is not my own suffering I think most about. Gerald is very miserable. He tried to be brave when he said good-bye, because he thought it would make it easier for me, but I saw the heartache in his eyes. Una, I want you and Mr. Arnold to do something for me after I am gone. You may tell your brother what I have told you, so he will understand. People generally did not know of our engagement, so there will be no talk; but you and Mr. Arnold do not seem like common friends. I want you both to be kind to Gerald for my sake. He will be very lonely. Stephen thinks I ought not even to write to him, and he will miss having a home like ours to come to. It will be a comfort to me to know he has a welcome to yours. "He shall always have it, Molly." Even if she had not been already bound to Gerald, Una felt...