“Is there anything in it?”
“Look and see.”
A green velvet jewel-case lay ensconced within the polished interior.
“Oh!” Anne’s heart sank. She opened the case with a feeling of cold apprehension.
Livid flashes of emeralds. White fire of diamonds. Anne turned away dazzled eyes.
“Alexis, how could you?”
He lifted the bracelet and held it out to her coaxingly.
“Do you like it, dear?” His voice was infinitely tender. “Let me put it on for you.”
“It is beautiful, but I cannot take it, Alexis. Please put it away.”
“You cannot take it? Why not?” His voice was desperate.