The White Lily. 65

 

that jutted out from the rock, and, catching hold of
a kindly shrub above her, lifted herself at last to the
level of the ledge.

The coveted thing was close to her hand, and she
stretched out her fingers to pluck the prize.

What was it that swam before her eyes? .

Had the height to which she had climbed turned
her dizzy and dulled her senses?

The lily was no longer there !

It seemed to be further up still!

It seemed to be trying. to disappoint her, and the
sunset was dying out, and when night was come she

_would not be able to see.

_ The tears stood in Pearl’s eyes, and her breath
came fast.
“Oh, beautiful tiger-lily !” she cried; “let me reach

; you now that I have come so far! See, see; what I

have dared for you. Do not refuse to belong to me!”
She felt for a higher place whereon to put her foot,
and once more stretched out her hand in the growing
twilight,
F