“Good Heaven!” she gasped, and stared at him. “Of course you know I couldn’t accept a thing like this!”
“Why not? You would from John.”
“But——”
“You’re wearing the one he gave you.”
“Yes, but this——”
“It’s nothing,” he said. “Of course, if you don’t like it——”
Sorrowfully he extended his hand to take back the little green velvet box from her; but she retained it and stood staring at him, amazed and also profoundly thoughtful. Like Hobart, she was a person who could make quick decisions.
“I never dreamed of this,” she said. “I thought you only came along with us because you thought it was a good course and because John asked you.”
“And he asked me because you made him,” Hobart added. “And the reason you did was because you wanted me for a chaperon.”
She laughed excitedly. “You don’t seem contented with the rôle, I must say!”