They went out the west door of The Grand, brushing aside the eager, solicitous kuruma men and turned northward along the back street afoot. Madelaine wore a traveling suit of gray worsted, the short skirt permitting a light, easy stride. Her head was covered with a mannish hat of black velour, half the brim turned down. She cared little for the wet.
They picked their way through greasy streets, but always when it was necessary for the woman to walk ahead, the man’s eyes followed her hungrily. Would he never become weary of simply gazing upon her? The sheer grace and delicacy of her every curve and line; her erect, supple carriage; her frank, fearless, appraising eyes; her perfect poise, regardless of the situation; the ephemeral expressions which played upon her cameo features; the neatness of her hair at the back of her neck; what a thoroughbred she was to her finger tips!
They made many little purchases in stores and curio shops. Nathan could not buy her the diamond he wanted until they reached America; his funds were too low and he had no time to draw on home for more. Her diamond must wait until they reached New York. But it would be a—diamond!
They were gradually wending their way toward the Oriental Steamship wharf when a window of carved ivory curios caught Nathan’s fancy.
“Let’s go in and look them over,” Madelaine suggested. “We’ve still four hours to spend somehow before sailing.”
They went inside. The shop was arranged European style, deep showcases running along either side of the back. The proprietor laid out several trays and cases for their inspection. Then a Japanese boy came and jabbered at him.
“You excuse,” the proprietor grinned. “I send Angleese man sell you,” and he went to a door opening into a sort of workshop and called in an order.
The “English” clerk came forward, along behind the counter. Nathan’s head was bent close to Madelaine’s, examining an ingenious carving. Nathan turned to the clerk and held it out, his eyes still on it.
“What’s the price of this?” he asked. As he asked it, he raised his eyes to the clerk’s face.
He was looking directly into the features of his father.