He smiled, a shaded smile, such as he often wore when she danced away from his grave suggestions. He never pursued her. But when she added,
'After all, sir, investments are your affair,'—
'My dear,' he said, 'a woman's jewels are in her own keeping— unless indeed God keep them. Yet let her remember that they are not hers to have and to hold, but to have and to use; a mere life interest—nor always that.'
And then for a while silence fell.
'Will you think me very extravagant if I get a new travelling dress, sir?' the girl began again.
'I have not usually been the guardian of your wardrobe, Miss
Hazel.'
'No, sir, of course; but I wanted your opinion. You gave one about my jewels. And by the way, Mr. Falkirk, won't you just tell me the list over again?'
Mr. Falkirk turned round and bent his brows upon Wych Hazel now, but without speaking.
'Well, sir?' she repeated, looking up at him, 'what are they, if you please?'
'Two brilliants of the first water,' replied Mr. Falkirk looking down into her eyes. 'To which some people add, two fine bits of sardius.'