" He advanced, holding a small package, and sat on the edge
of a chair, mopping his brow. "You see," he began diffidently, "that
is, as you must know, at first--you were at the convent--I thought
something of proposing for your sister. Thank God," he added
vigorously, "I waited! Well, I didn't; although, to be completely
honest, I knew that it came to be expected. I could see the surprise in
your father's face. It occurred to me afterward that if I had brought
Gheta any embarrassment I'd like to do something in a small way, a sort
of acknowledgment. And to-day I saw this," he held out the package; "it
was pretty and I bought it for her at once. But now, when the moment
arrives, I hesitate to give it to her. Gheta has grown so--so formal
that I'm afraid of her," he laughed.
Lavinia unwrapped the paper covering from a green morocco box and,
releasing the catch, saw a shimmering string of delicately pink pearls.
"Cesare!" she exclaimed. "How gorgeous!" She lifted the necklace,
letting it slide cool and fine through her fingers. "It's too good of
you. This has cost hundreds and hundreds. I'll keep it myself."
He laughed, shaking all over; then fell serious.
"Everything I have--all, all--is yours," he assured her. Lavinia turned
away with an uncomfortable feeling of falseness. "What do you predict--
will Gheta take it, understand, or will she play the frozen princess?"
"If I know Gheta, she'll take it," Lavinia promptly replied.
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