"You shouldn't take it that way. It isn't fair to take it that way."
"It isn't a question of fairness. It is a question of kindness on your part."
"I want to be kind."
"Then take them."
She thought for a moment with her eyes on the fire. When she raised them it was to say, "Would you—want your little sister, Mimi, to take jewels from any man?"
"Yes. If he loved her as I love you."
It was out, and they stood aghast. Then Geoffrey stammered, "Can't you see that my soul kneels at your feet? That to me these pearls aren't as white as your—whiteness?"
The rosy silk had slipped to the floor. She was like a very small goddess in a morning cloud. "I can't take them. Oh, I can't."
He made a quick gesture. But for her restraining hand he would have cast the pearls into the flames.
"Oh, don't," she said, the little hand tense on his arm. "Don't—hurt me—like that."