'Do you know what is in this packet, Jessie?'
'No, Chris.'
I took the trinkets out of the paper:
'I bought them as a birthday present for you, Jessie. Look at what is engraved inside the watch, and if you can accept it, you will make me very happy.'
She opened the case and read: 'From Chris to Jessie, on her eighteenth birthday. With undying love.' Her eyes were fixed upon the inscription for a much longer time than was necessary for the reading and understanding of the words. When she raised them, tears were glistening in them.
'Will you fasten it for me, Chris?' she said, in a low soft tone.
With an ineffable feeling of happiness I placed the slender chain about her neck, and while my arms were round her, she raised her face to mine, and I kissed her.
A few minutes later, while we were still alone, Jessie said,
'You know why I left home on my birthday, Chris?'
'I know all, Jessie.'