“What’s in this, Ward?” she asked, holding up the round gold trinket.
“Oh, that!” he said, frowning at it.
“Don’t look so cross! Must I tease you to show me what’s inside?”
As she dangled it at arm’s length he encouraged the idea that its contents were secret by snatching it away.
“It’s the darkest of mysteries. What will you give me for a peep?”
“I might give you one kiss,” she said, deliberating, “if I like what’s inside.”
“Oh, I must have three!”
“Agreed. But don’t show me if you don’t want to.”
“Well, it’s a great concession, a privilege reserved only for royalty.”
He opened the locket guardedly, so turning it as to conceal the inner surfaces.