Up jumped Margaret, and ran to the table.
"This is how it is," said Philip, appealing to her, but Mr. Hart interrupted him.
"No, no; let me explain."
"Stop his mouth, Margaret!"
Margaret placed her small hand on Mr. Hart's mouth, having to encircle his neck with her soft arm to do so. He could not quarrel with the necklace, and he kissed her hand.
"O, you may kiss it!" said she. "Philip will not be angry, nor will I."
"I angry!" exclaimed Philip, "with him or you. Keep your hand there, and let him kiss it as often as he likes."
She gave Philip her other hand as a reward, and he warmed it in his.
"This is how it is, Margaret----" and Philip explained the matter to her.
She was grave and silent when his story was finished, out of sympathy for Mr. Hart's loss, and also out of gratitude for her lover's goodness. There was nothing sordid in either of their souls.