I will deal with your people in the matter, but
I do not anticipate any great difficulty in that direction. Now that is
settled, and you need not weary yourself with any further discussion. I
am responsible, and I will bear my responsibility."
His tone was kind but it held unmistakable finality.
Dinah uttered a heavy sigh, and said no more. She lacked the strength for
prolonged opposition.
He persuaded her to drink some more of the milk, and made a cushion of
his coat for her against the tree.
"Perhaps you will get a little sleep," he said, as she suffered herself
to relax somewhat. "Will it disturb you if I smoke?"
"No," she said.
He took out his case. "Shut your eyes!" he said practically.
But Dinah's eyes remained open, watching him. He began to smoke as if
unaware of her scrutiny.
After several moments she spoke. "Scott!"
He turned to her. "Yes? What is it?"
The piteous, shamed colour rose up under his eyes. Again she turned her
face away. "That--that sapphire pendant!" she murmured. "I brought it
with me. Of course--I know--the presents will have to be returned. I
didn't mean to--to run away with it. But--but--I loved it so. I couldn't
have borne my mother to touch it. Shall I--shall I give it you now?"
"No, dear," he answered firmly. "Neither now nor at any time. I gave it
to you as a token of friendship, and I would like you to keep it always
for that reason.
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