Raising her hands wearily, she rested her chin upon them, and answered slowly:
"Many things, I fear."
"Valuable articles? Faded flowers, perfumed with choice Oriental reminiscences?"
"Yes, sir, I lost my purse, and my Agra violets."
"What reward will you offer for the recovery of such precious relics of fraternal affection? A promise of implicit obedience to your guardian? Certainly, they are worth that trifle?"
"They are very precious indeed. Where did you find my purse?"
"On the desk at my office."
He held up the ivory toy, then laid it on the table.
"Thank you, sir. Mr. Palma, will you grant me a great favour?"
"As I never forfeit my word, I avoid entangling myself rashly in the meshes of promise. Just now I am in no mood to grant your unreasonable petitions; still, I will be glad to hear what my ward desires of her guardian."