Page:Rowland--The closing net.djvu/99

Rh "You win, Frank," she said unsteadily, struggling to her feet.

"Of course I've won," I answered, and laid down the cigarette. "Why shouldn't I?"

She swept around the table, then dropped at my feet on the rug, and, gripping me by both knees, laid her head against them.

"Yes," she said, "you've won." Her voice broke. "And oh, my dear, I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad!"

"Then go and get the pearls," I answered without moving, and picked up my cigarette again.

"You shall have the pearls," she murmured. "Swear to me that you don't love her, Frank." She laughed hysterically. "Chu-Chu told me that while he was getting the pearls she was snoring like a pig. Snoring, Frank." She laughed again.

"Thanks to Ivan's dope," said I. "But she can snore without, for all me."

"You don't love her?"

"No, I don't," I answered impatiently. "Where are those pearls? It's getting late."

"Ivan has them. I'll give you a note to him," she said; and I felt that she was telling the truth. "He didn't want to do it, Frank. He absolutely refused at first. Chu-Chu and I had an awful time persuading him. I'm sorry, Frank. Kiss me, and say that you forgive me."

I leaned over and kissed her. "I'll forgive you when I get the pearls," I said.

Her bare arms flashed up around my neck, and, for a moment, held me tight. Then she scrambled