She examined it with delighted and intense interest. “It’s perfectly lovely, Jack; but where on earth did you get it? Not in Bamberley?”
“Not much,” he laughed. “I got it as a present a few minutes ago from my paying guest, or rather Martin’s.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s a peddler down at the cottage now. He has a pack full of things like that.”
She shook her head. “Jack, you know you can’t afford it.”
“It’s all right and didn’t cost me anything. It’s the price of a night’s lodging with Martin.”
“Then why didn’t the man give it to Martin?”
“That never occurred to me. He was tired and footsore, wanted shelter for the night, and I suggested to Martin that he take him in and be responsible for him. The man insisted that I take this, so there you are. Cheap at the price, I call it. There’s a sovereign worth of gold in it.”
Edith pushed the bangle on her wrist and twisted it thoughtfully. “Why don’t you tell me the real truth, old boy?”
“I have. Want to see him? Interesting sort of person, white beard, bright eyes, and been everywhere. You’ll never guess where he’s come from now.”