The smallest piece will
suffice. Knowing that it comes from such a good woman, it will have
great value in my eyes. It is more than enough that she has bequeathed
to me such a large sum of money which I have not earned. Therefore, I
choose the old, tarnished, clumsy locket which she held in her hand and
wet with her tears as she bade me good-bye. This will be the most
precious treasure for me, and I know her blessing will go with it."
One of the onlookers laughed and said to Amy: "What a silly girl. Why
didn't you take the diamond ring? That ugly old locket, what good is
that! How ridiculous for you to choose such a worthless thing!"
But Amy was more than satisfied and perfectly contented; while the rich
relatives quarreled over the distribution of the other trinkets and had
more disappointment out of it than pleasure.
The relative to whom the castle had been bequeathed gave orders to Amy
to find a new home. This she had in a measure expected, of course, but
she did not know just where to go. At last the old gardener and his
good, kind wife offered to share their home with her. She thanked them
heartily and gladly accepted.
Amy now invested her money in a business house in the city, and although
her income was not large, still she had enough for her simple wants.
One year went by in quietude and peace, in the simple surroundings of
the old gardener's home. But as the new occupants of the castle no
longer wished the services of a man as old as he was, he received orders
to leave.
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