w Year."

[Illustration: "I HAVE HERE A SLIGHT TOKEN, IN HONOR OF THE DAY"]

The idea that McVay was going to give him a present had never crossed
Geoffrey's mind, and now it struck him as so characteristic, so
perfectly in keeping with McVay's consuming desire to triumph in minor
matters, that he was able to smile pleasantly and receive it
appropriately. He exchanged a glance of real appreciation with the
donor, and received a grave bow in return.

Cecilia smiled, too, "I don't know exactly why you should think Mr.
Holland wants your picture, Billy," she said.

"It may be of the greatest service to him," said McVay.

The girl turned to Geoffrey. "I can't make a speech like Billy's," she
said, "but I have a small present for you which I hope you won't despise
because it is not new. I mean I have worn it myself for some time, and I
hope _you_ will now, in remembrance of the time when you sheltered the
houseless." She held out on her pink palm a flat gold pencil with a
single topaz set in the top.

The thing was of some value and Geoffrey, looking up, caught McVay's eye
in which danced such a delicious merriment that Geoffrey's half-formed
question was answered. McVay was undergoing such paroxysms of delight at
the idea that Geoffrey was about to become a receiver of stolen goods
that he could not well conceal it. And instinctively Geoffrey drew back
his hand. The next moment he realised that he must at once accept the
gift with decent gratitude, whatever he might choose to do with it
afterward, but unfortunately the girl had noticed his hesitation.

She said nothing whatsoever, but she closed her hand on the pencil, rose
from the table, and left them to dispose of the remains of the feast as
best they could.

McVay, as if he had observed nothing, threw himself at once into the
part of a waiter, tucked a napkin round his waist, flung another over
his arm and began to clear the table.

"Wait a moment," said Geoffrey, who had not followed his example; "I
have something to say to you. I see you are in possession of my
sentiments in regard to your sister.... I think her a wonder,--that's
all it is necessary for you to know."

"Quite naturally, Holland. She is, she is."

"I won't discuss that with you. The point is that you seem to be under
the impression that this will do you some good. Well, it won't. You
stand just where you did before. You go to jail when the snow melts.
Then I settle my affairs."

McVay's f