“Then you have some other accomplishments which you have concealed from me,” said Gerard, affecting a judicial frown.
Miss Davison laughed merrily.
“Well, I have one, but wild horses shan’t drag from me what it is. And, if you knew, you would not advise me to use it.”
“Come, come, I must have complete confession. No half-way measures. Let me see if I can’t suggest a way of utilizing this mysterious accomplishment.”
She laughed, blushed crimson, and suddenly opening her hand, showed him, lying flat on the palm, a little silver pencil-case, at sight of which he uttered an exclamation.
“Why, that’s mine, isn’t it?” said he. “How did you—”
He stopped, she laughed, and Rose Aldington, who was sitting near, joined in her mirth, which was of rather a shame-faced kind.
“Showing off again, Rachel?” she said.
Miss Davison laughed, gave the pencil-case back to Gerard, and said, with a demure look—
“There! that’s my best accomplishment. I flatter myself I can pick pockets with any amateur living. Now you wouldn’t recommend me to take to that as a livelihood, would you?”