"I've brought you a little memento," he finished.
With inquisitive hands Pansy took the case and snapped it open. Inside was a string of pearls worth at least £500. He watched the girl as she opened the case, but none of the coos of delight and surprise at his generosity, that he expected and was accustomed to under such circumstances, were forthcoming. Instead, she closed the case and handed it back to him.
"It's very pretty, and very kind of you to think of it," she said. "But I couldn't keep it."
To have his gift thrust back on him was the last thing Le Breton was prepared for or desired.
"Why not?" he asked abruptly.
"I never take presents from men, but I appreciate your kindness all the same."
He glanced at her, a peculiar look at the back of his eyes.
To get off the topic Pansy hurried forward.
From a building close at hand there came a gentle whinny.
"That's 'The Sultan,'" she remarked. "He hears me coming."