'Look here, Dolly,' he said: 'mother wants you to come and see her to-morrow after I am gone, and don't let her worry too much, and would you please take this?' he said. 'Please do.'
This was a pretty little crystal watch that he had bought for her, and when Dolly hesitated and exclaimed, he added, entreatingly, 'It is my wedding present. I thought in case we never—I mean that I should like to give it to you myself,' he said.
'Oh! Jonah,' Dolly answered in a low voice, 'perhaps I may never want a wedding present.'
'Never mind, keep it,' said Jonah, staring at her hand, 'and I'll look up George the first thing. You know my father has written to his colonel. Keep a good heart, Dolly; we are all in the same boat.'
He stood watching the cab as it drove away under the stars.
Dolly was not thinking of Jonah any more. She was looking at all the passers-by, still hoping to see Robert.
'He ought to have come, mamma, this last night?' she said.
'My dear, do you ever expect a man to think of anything but his own convenience?' said Mrs. Palmer, with great emphasis.
'Oh! mamma, why must one ever say good-by?' said Dolly, going on with her own thoughts.
'I believe, even now he might persuade you to run off with him,' said Mrs. Palmer, laughing....