And she drew from her bosom the little black silk bag:, took from it the small piece of paper and placed it in the hands of her visitor, saying:
“There, Mr. Hammond, read that, and confess that you have alarmed yourself for nothing.”
Dick, who had been listening to her and watching her in wonder and curiosity, took the paper, and with a bow, began to examine it. As he read it slowly and attentively, he gathered his brows into a thoughtful and troubled frown, and as he finished it, he looked at her with a compassionate expression and inquired:
“My dear child, how came this little document into your keeping?”
“I found it while clearing out Alick’s dressing-glass drawer. And as it was as much mine as his, and as he did not seem to set much value on it, judging by the place in which he left it, I took possession of it. And I am very glad now that I have it to show you,” she answered, smiling confidently.
“Because you consider it a proof positive of your marriage?” he inquired, gravely.
“Why, of course. And so it is,” she exclaimed, triumphantly. “Why, look at it! Read it! It is quite plain and conclusive! A child could comprehend it! Don’t you see for yourself that this is the most positive proof of my marriage that could possibly be produced?”
“No, Drusilla,” he answered, mournfully, “I see nothing of the sort. Quite the contrary.”
“Then you don’t understand English when you see it!” retorted the sorely tried young creature, losing a little of her saintly patience.
“I understand this, but too well!” replied Dick, grimly regarding the document that he still held in his hand.