noon
`` I only wished to be alone . I _ breathe _ so much better , '' she said , and when I looked inquiringly at her , she continued , `` Never marry a man for his wealth , Lottie , unless you wish to become as hard , as wicked and unhappy as I am . John Douglass is worth more than half a million , and yet I would give it all if I were the same little girl who , six years ago , waded with you through the snow-drifts to school on that stormy day . Do you remember what we played that noon and my foolish remark that I would marry for _ money _ and _ diamonds ! _ Woe is me , I 've won them both ! '' and her tears fell fast on the sparkling gems which covered her slender fingers . Just then I saw in the distance a young man whom I knew to be Walter Beaumont .