“Yes.” She gave a bitter laugh. “He forbade the banns. I can’t explain. It was something far beyond me. But I knew. And the pearls, those lovely pearls, were the pearls of price—my price. You understand? You pity me?”
He answered solemnly:
“Before God, I do.”
Hastily he caught up the pearls and pocketed them. Then he held out his hands.
“Good-bye, my poor little Cicely.”
“Is it to be good-bye, Arthur?”
He held her hands, gripping them. She saw that he was thinking hard.
“We remain neighbours and friends. I will help your mother.”
She shook her head sadly.
“Mother is too proud. More punishment for me.”