She took it and read:
"I, the undersigned, purchase of Mrs. Bently a pair of crescent ornaments which she affirms are paste, but which I am content to accept as genuine, for the sum agreed upon."
The price was carried out in figures, and his full name signed underneath.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.
"You are determined to befriend me, in spite of my scruples," she murmured, brokenly.
"I would gladly do a hundred-fold more for you," he replied, with tender earnestness. "Will you let me have the crescents now?"
"Yes, and thank you more than I can express," she answered, with drooping lids.
He drew forth a wallet filled with bills, and began to count out the sum he had named.
"Wait a moment," said Mrs. Bently, the color mounting to her temples; "I have a handsome case for the ornaments. I will go and get it for you."
She turned suddenly and vanished from his presence, before he could tell her he would rather take them in the little box.