"Mercy!" she shuddered. "I don't want to gloat over the poor wretch."
I said no more about it, but—well, the result was all that I had anticipated.
Genevieve reminded me that we should be thankful for having been relieved from a final perplexity.
"I don't understand," said I.
"Why, we haven't the ruby to dispose of; that would have puzzled even you."
"I don't know about that. Royal gave it to me. I see where I stand to lose a fortune. Five hundred thousand—whew!"
Suddenly she snuggled closer and clasped her hands tightly upon my shoulder. Her hair teased my cheek, and the delicate perfume of it made me light-headed. Twisting her pretty head sideways, she flashed an arch look at me from under her lashes, then glanced quickly away again. Blue eyes and long dark lashes are a potently disturbing combination.
"Well," she sighed, "the Page case may have cost you a fortune, but—it gave you me. And I—for one—am very content and happy, Mr. Swift."
THE END