Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/36

22 confession to her would be none too lavishly repaid by the effort for which he had appealed.

Paul Beever had in his hand his little morocco case, but his glance also rested, till it disappeared, on Tony's straight and swinging back. "I've driven him away," he said.

"It was time," Jean replied. "Effie, who wasn't ready for me, must really come at last." Then without the least pretence of unconsciousness she looked straight at the small object Paul carried.

Observing her attention to it he also dropped his eyes on it, while his hands turned it round and round in apparent uncertainty as to whether he had better present it to her open or shut. "I hope you won't be as indifferent as Effie seems to be to the pretty trifle with which I've thought I should like to commemorate your birthday." He decided to open the case and with its lifted lid he held it out to her. "It will give me great pleasure if you'll kindly accept this little ornament."

Jean took it from him—she seemed to study it a moment. "Oh Paul, oh Paul! "—her protest was as sparing as a caress with the back of the hand.