Redbud passed the necklace through her fingers thoughtfully.
"That is pretty," said Verty, looking at it. "I think I have seen it somewhere before."
Redbud replied with a smile:
"Yes, I generally wear it; but I was thinking how strange your life was, Verty."
And she looked kindly and softly with her frank eyes at the young man, who was playing with the beads of the necklace.
"Yes," he replied, "and that is just why I ought to be thankful. If I was somebody's son, you know, everybody would know me—but I aint, and yet, everybody is kind. I often try to be thankful, and I believe I am," he added; "but then I'm often sinful. The other day, I believe I would have shot Mr. Jinks—that was very wrong; yes, I know that was very wrong."
And Verty shook his head sadly.
"Then I am angry sometimes," he said, "though not often."
"Not very often, I know," said Redbud, softly; "you are very sweet tempered and amiable."
"Do you think so, Redbud?"