“Out of my heart,” she said simply. “I couldn’t get it anywhere else.” 143
“She’s very delightful!” said the stranger, turning to Theodore. “I’ve forgotten her name?”
He was so near her that Jinnie shrank back, and the master of the house noted her embarrassment.
“Her name is Grandoken, Miss Grandoken.... Come,” he said, holding out his hand to Jinnie, and as she placed her fingers in his, he led her away.
A large car was waiting at the front door, and he held her hand in his for a few seconds. The touch of her fingers thrilled him through and through. He noticed her head just reached his shoulder and a conscious desire to draw her to him for one blessed moment surged insistent within him. He dropped her hand suddenly.
“I wish now,” he said, smiling, “I had sent for you to come here before. It was such a treat!”
Jinnie shrank away as he offered her a roll of bills. An unutterable shyness crept over her.
“I don’t want it,” she said, gulping hard. “I’d love to fiddle for you all day long.”
“But you must take it,” insisted King. “Now then, I want to know where you live. I’m coming to see your uncle very, very soon.”
Lafe and his wife were waiting for the girl, and the cobbler noticed Peggy’s eyes were misty as Jinnie gave her the money. Over and over she told them all about it.