"And you—have brought the pin?"
"Here it is," said Mark, producing it from his pocket.
Mrs. Loring eagerly opened the casket and uttered an exclamation of delight.
"It is beautiful—just what I wanted," she said.
"Mr. Swan said he thought he knew your taste."
"Did he mention the price?"
"A thousand dollars. Here is the bill."
"I shall not dispute the price, for I have perfect confidence in Mr. Swan. But—isn't it strange that he should have selected so young a messenger?" she continued, regarding Mark with curiosity.
"I agree with you," said Mark, smiling, "but I feel confidence in Mr. Swan's judgment and did not object to come."
"You might have been robbed, if any evil-minded person had known what you carried."