She gave a wild cry.
“I did not! I did not! Oh, you know I did not!”
He shrugged carelessly.
“At any rate, you acquired it, and kept it, and the De Beers people—well, they are not very understanding, either; but I have power—I explained, defended you, paid for the diamond and for silence.”
“My God! You think I stole it? They think so?” She swayed as if she had been struck, almost fainting from this worst blow of all.
“What does it matter what they think?” he said soothingly. “They will be silent because I will it. As for me, I love you, and nothing you do could make any difference.”
The girl stared before her, distraught, frantic.
“And the necklace?” she stammered.
“The necklace was different. That was my gift to you, and you have graced it by wearing it. I have traced its outline often round your lovely shoulders—and longed for the day when I could kiss it there.”
His eyes grew dark again with the great passion he felt for her. He put out his arms entreatingly. But she drew back, shuddering. Her lips were dumb; her hair was in turmoil; her heart seemed turned to ice, but her feet still knew their uses. She dashed past him and ran.