“But, Lena, it should have been yours instead,” she said, sadly; but Lena shook her head.
“You forget poor father,” she said. “No, no! I could not touch a cent of it. I care nothing now for worldly pleasures, and at the death of my poor mother, who is fast failing in health, I shall retire into a convent to end my days.”
Violet saw that there was no use urging her about the money. The wound in her heart was mortal.
She remained a few days at Golden Willows, until Judge Camden was out of danger, then returned to her home in Washington. A few weeks later her mother died, and she carried out her vow of entering a convent. The wonderful beauty that had proved her ruin was hidden beneath the black vail of the nun. When Violet donned the misty vail to become the adored bride of the man she worshiped, Lena Lavarre had already spoken the solemn vows that made her the pious bride of Heaven.
After Violet had held that conversation with Cecil, she said to him:
“I wish you to take me to see Amber. Although she has sinned against me, I forgive her, because I am so very happy; and I pity her for the jealous love that made her cruel and wicked.”
“I will take you to the cottage. My mother is already there,” replied Cecil.
Violet went to her grandfather.
“I am going to see Amber. You must send her your forgiveness,” she pleaded.
He demurred at first, but he could not refuse anything to Violet, who had forgiven so much to him; so he agreed that he would forgive Amber’s sins, and let her come home if she recovered.