"Come now, dearie"—the woman entreated—"choose a pretty keepsake—the gen'leman 'ull pay."
McTaggart bent forward, searching for a gift, suddenly obstinate.
"You'll have to have something!"
"Hullo! what's this?" From the tray of tawdry jewellery, he picked up a locket with a smile to himself.
Two little hearts in bright red glass, with a true lover's knot joining them together.
Cheap and meretricious, the toy was saved from vulgarity by the colour which glowed like a pigeon-blood ruby.
It reminded McTaggart of his own curious case—the Double Heart—surely a symbol!
"There, Jill! Never say I'm not a generous man."
He tossed a shilling across to the woman—and with due solemnity made his offering.
"Thanks awfully." Jill's grey eyes were hidden by the dark fringe of lashes, sweeping down on to her cheeks. "I'll keep it for Court ... or wear it on my sleeve. Thank you, Peter."