And Madame really stamped her foot.
“Bring me everything you’ve got—every thing that is valuable. I shall lock it up. How can you—”
Alvina was hustled off to her lodging. Fortunately nothing was gone. She brought all to Madame, and Madame fingered the treasures lovingly.
“Now what you want you must ask me for,” she said.
With what close curiosity Madame examined the ruby brooch.
“You can have that if you like, Madame,” said Alvina.
“You mean—what?”
“I will give you that brooch if you like to take it—”
“Give me this—!” cried Madame, and a flash went over her face. Then she changed into a sort of wheedling. “No—no. I shan’t take it! I shan’t take it. You don’t want to give away such a thing.”
“I don’t mind,” said Alvina. “Do take it if you like it.”