As he held it up for the young man to see, his hand trembled.
'Mr.Edwin, this rose of diamonds and rubies delicately set in gold, was a ring belonging to Miss Rosa's mother.

It was removed from her dead hand, in my presence, with such distracted grief as I hope it may never be my lot to contemplate again.

Hard man as I am, I am not hard enough for that.

See how bright these stones shine!' opening the case.

'And yet the eyes that were so much brighter, and that so often looked upon them with a light and a proud heart, have been ashes among ashes, and dust among dust, some years! If I had any imagination (which it is needless to say I have not), I might imagine that the lasting beauty of these stones was almost cruel.' He closed the case again as he spoke.
'This ring was given to the young lady who was drowned so early in her beautiful and happy career, by her husband, when they first plighted their faith to one another.