"I found them among mother's things," he explained, "and I knew she would like you to have them."
The girl sobered, and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Jemima thanked him quietly, and laid her fan on a table. Philip and Kate exchanged a quick glance of understanding. It was evident that she meant to accept nothing from a Benoix. Young Jemima Kildare was of the stuff that makes the Kentucky blood-feuds possible.
There was an awkward pause, broken by Professor Thorpe. "We ought to be starting, I think. The Ark, while willing, has its little weaknesses, and it would not do for my guests to arrive and find neither host nor guests of honor present."
"Wait a moment," said Kate. "I, too, have presentations to make."
She produced two white velvet boxes bearing the name of a famous New York jeweler.
"Oh, what pretty little pinky-white beads!" cried Jacqueline, clasping hers about her throat and prancing to a mirror to observe the effect.
Jemima examined hers, and then looked quickly at her mother.
"Are they pearls?" she asked.
"Yes," said Kate. "Small ones, but a good investment, I think. Some day when you're older, girlies, perhaps you'll like to remember that your mother earned the money that bought them." She spoke to both of them, but it was to Jemima that her unconscious plea was made.
The older girl hesitated. Then she murmured, "Thank you, Mother. They are beautiful," and fastened them about her throat.