store, and a brooch in the form of a butterfly, which she said was made expressly for her by Lalique. But not a diamond in the collection! It appeared that she regarded diamonds as some men regard champagne — as a commodity not appealing to the very finest taste.

“I didn’t think you were so mischievous,” she laughed, frowning.

To transfer the jewels to her possession I had drawn my chair up to hers, and we were close together, face to face.

“Ah!” I replied, content, unimaginably happy. “You don’t know me yet. I’m a terrible fellow.”

“Think of my state of mind during the last fifteen minutes.”

“Yes, but think of the joy which you now experience. It is I who have given you that joy —