"With that, he took the watch from his pocket, and handed it to me. I was not sure whether I ought to take it, but I have long wanted a gold watch, and he seemed well able to afford the gift, so I took it."
Mrs. Tracy never thought of doubting this plausible story.
"Harold," she said, "I am proud of you. I think there was no objection to accepting the watch. What do you say, Aunt Eliza?"
"Let me look at the watch, Harold," said the old lady, not replying to her niece's question.
Harold passed it over complacently. He rather plumed himself on the ingenious story he had invented.
"What do you think of it, Warner?" asked Mrs. Merton, passing it to her nephew.
"It is rather a cheap watch for a rich man to carry," answered Warner, taking it in his hand and opening it.
"I am sure it is quite a handsome watch," said Mrs. Tracy.
"Yes, it is large and showy, but it is low-grade gold."
"Of course, I don't know anything about that," said Harold. "At any rate, it is gold and good enough for me."