She did not catch the murmured words her companion uttered.
"There are a few little finishing touches to my toilet which I would like to have you help me with. In that velvet case on the center-table you will find a necklace of sapphires and diamonds. You may fetch it to me."
With trembling hands Dorothy clasped the necklace around Miss Staples' firm white throat.
"They are very beautiful—don't you think so?" she asked, looking at Dorothy with the old-time burst of enthusiasm which she remembered so well.
"Yes," returned Dorothy, in a low voice.
"They are Mr. Garner's gift to me. To-day is my birthday," she went on, "and this is Mr. Garner's gift—beautiful, is it not?"
"Yes," said Dorothy, in the same low, wistful voice.
"He is so considerate of my wishes; I had merely expressed the words that I admired sapphires and diamonds, and see! he has presented me with this lovely set!"
"The gentleman must have a very generous heart," said Dorothy, faintly.
Jessie Staples started and looked at her searchingly.