"'And the bow, monsieur—the bit of ribbon?'
"'Va pour le ruban!' was the propitious answer.
"And so we settled it."
That is good; and when Lucy presents the watchguard it is better still.
"He looked at the box: I saw its clear and warm tint, and bright azure circlet, pleased his eyes. I told him to open it.
"'My initials!' said he, indicating the letters in the lid. 'Who told you I was called Carl David?'
"'A little bird, monsieur.'
"'Does it fly from me to you? Then one can tie a message under its wing when needful.'
"He took out the chain—a trifle indeed as to value, but glossy with silk and sparkling with beads. He liked that too—admired it artlessly, like a child.
"'For me?'