He kissed her hand. His manner was changed almost suddenly; he became soft, caressing, and persuasive. It was the old charm which the poor lady could never resist. She suffered him to hold her hand; she allowed him to kiss her hand; her eyes grew humid.
"Oh!" she murmured, "I must do everything you ask, Ludovick, if you are only kind."
"How can I be anything but kind?" he replied, with a smile. "You must forget and forgive. The thought that all I had schemed and planned was torn from me—and by you, Anastasia—by you—was too much. My mind was upset; I know not what I said. Forgive me!"
"Oh, Ludovick! I forgive."
"And the jewels shall atone—the lovely jewels. You shall have them all."
"You will truly give me the jewels?"
"Truly, my Anastasia. After all, we are man and wife. Henceforth we shall only live for each other. Your happiness shall be mine. The jewels shall be yours."
She yielded; she fell into his arms. There was a complete, a touching reconciliation!
"I agree, then, Purdon," said his lordship. "We both agree. It remains only to choose the best time, the best place, the best manner."
"Let it be the boldest manner; the most public place; before the largest company. Let there be no mistake possible. Leave this to me, my lord. Twelve thousand pounds. Your ladyship will oblige me with pen, ink, and paper? I may point out" (he turned to his former pupil with an ugly grin) "that if this promise, or bond, or bill is not met I shall proclaim the whole business from the housetop."