"You have taken my breath away," he answers. "Why do you bring this absurd charge against me? Who says," with a sneer, "I have that wonderful note?"
"I am your accuser," she answers, fixing upon him the full fire of her magnetic dark eyes. "I saw you, I was not very far away when Maud left you that day, I saw you pick up a note from the ground and read it, then you slipped it into your vest pocket. I am quite sure it was Maud's note. I do not believe you will deny it."
"Since you know so much, I will not," he answers, with blended amaze and defiance. "What then?"
The beautiful dusky face lights up with the lovely earnestness of hope.
"You will give it to me," she says. "I have followed you across the wide ocean to ask you for it."
"Why should I give it to you?" he asks, with distinct coldness.
She gives him a glance of blended pride and patience.
"Not for any grace you owe me, certainly," she says, with gentle calmness, "but for Maud's sake."
"Do I owe her any kindness?" he asks, sardonically.