Her hand flew up to them. She was not in the least disconcerted. "I might as well tell you. They belonged to the General's wife. I didn't have anything to do tonight, so I've been trying them on. There isn't any harm in that, is there?"
"It's rather dangerous," slowly; "why didn't you take the collar off?"
"The snap caught just as you came, and I couldn't unfasten it."
"Did the General know that you tried them on?"
"Of course not. He was asleep."
"Bend your head down, and let me look at the snap."
She leaned towards him, bringing her neck against his hand. The little curls of bright hair sprang up towards his fingers as he worked at the obstinate catch. But he did his work steadily, and as she straightened up again, he dropped the collar into her hand.
"If you will take my advice," he said, "you won't do a thing like that again. People might not understand."
"You mean that they might think I had stolen it? I am not a thief, Doctor—"
"Of course not. Do you think you have to tell me that? And are we quarrelling, Hilda?"