And what of Alicia?"
"Alicia's sense of justice is quite as well developed as mine," I
told him proudly.
"Alicia is a dear girl," he agreed. "But, my dear lady, your plan
wouldn't hold water in any court. This place isn't mine, legally or
morally, though the jewels would be if I could find them. If ever I
do find them, which is highly improbable, I may be tempted to make
you an offer of exchange."
"You don't want Hynds House? Richard's house? You won't take Hynds
House?"
"I don't want Hynds House. I won't take Hynds House. Further, if
anybody on earth but you made me such an offer, in such
circumstances, I should find it hard to forgive. Even from you I
hardly think I could bear it twice." A bright red showed in his
cheeks for an instant, his nostrils quivered, his whole face was a
blaze of pride. "What! Nicholas Jelnik accept gifts from women?"
"As good and proud men as Nicholas Jelnik have accepted gifts from
women, and been none the worse for it," said I, tartly. "You offered
me your jewels. Why shouldn't I offer you my house?--particularly
when it should have been your house. I also have my pride, Mr.
Jelnik!"
The hauteur went out of his face, and something sweet and quizzical
and boyish flooded it.
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