“I’ve never had anything happen to me, sir, before.”
“Does it make any difference, do you find?”
“Oh, sir.”
“Will you wear this charm of mine to remember me by?” He detached a small gold jewel, set with symbolical stones. “It is said to bring success in love. I don’t believe it.”
The man took the symbol as though it were an eggshell.
“Thank you, sir,” he said with fervour. “Thank you very much, sir.” Then he started violently. “Oh, sir,” he cried, remembering the risk, “do go, sir. It’s frightfully dangerous, sir.”
“Yes,” said Margaret, “I mustn’t keep the lady waiting. I hope you run no risk yourself; for warning me?”
“Oh no, sir. I just showed a customer to the docks.”
“And I’m very much obliged. Good-bye.”
“Good-bye, sir. Oh, sir, I’m much honoured indeed, sir. I hope we shall meet again, sir.”