r woman but a
phantom born of the horrible strain she had undergone? She told herself
that this was the true explanation, even while in her heart she knew
otherwise.

"Don't give it me," she said again. "I would really rather you didn't."

"Why?" he asked.

She put out her hand to him with a little movement of entreaty. "I can't
explain. But--I would like to pay it back if you don't mind."

He smiled at her persistence. "No, I don't mind, if you particularly wish
it. Now come into my room for a moment. I want to show you something."

She went with him, her hand in his, not willingly but because she could
not do otherwise.

He led her to the table, and pointed out a box upon it. "That is for you,
Chris."

"For me!" She looked at him as if startled. "What is it, Trevor?"

"Open it and see," he said.

She hesitated. She seemed almost afraid. "I hope it isn't anything
very--very--"

"Open it and see," he repeated.

She obeyed him with hands that had begun to tremble, took out an
object wrapped in tissue-paper, unfolded the coverings, and disclosed a
jewel-case.

Then again she hesitated, standing as one in doubt. "Trevor, I--I--"

"Open it, dear," he said gently.

And mutely she obeyed.

Diamonds flashed before her dazzled eyes, a myriad sparkling colours shot
spinning through her brain. She stood gazing, gazing, as one beneath a
spell. For the passage of many seconds there was no sound in the room.

Then with a sudden movement she closed the case. It shut with a sharp
snap, and she raised a haggard face.

"Trevor, it's lovely--lovely! But I can't take it--anyhow, not yet--not
till I have paid you back."

"My dear little wife, what nonsense!" he said.

"No, no, it isn't! I am in earnest." Her voice quivered; she held out the
case to him beseechingly. "I can't take it--yet," she said. "I thank you
with all my heart. But I can't--I can't!"

Her words ended upon a sudden sob; she laid the case down again among its
wrappings, and stood before him silent, with bent head. It was not easy
to refuse this gift of his, but for some reason to accept it was a
monstrous impossibility. He would not understand, of course, but
yet--whatever he thought--she could not take it.

A long pause followed her last words. She shed no tears, but another sob
was struggling for utterance. She put her hand to her throat to strangle
it there.

And then at last Mordaunt spoke. "Chris, have you been doing something
that you a