"Now, Sophy," said Mr. Jelnik, facing me, "you offered Hynds House
to me once, and I refused it because I didn't have the price. I told
you at the time that if ever I had the Hynds jewels in my
possession, I might be tempted to make you an offer of exchange. I
am going to make you an offer now. I should like to live in Hynds
House, Sophy. I don't think I could be happy anywhere else. You see,
Sophy, I'm going to spend the rest of my life here in America,
become an American citizen. Now, what about Hynds House?"
"You may have it," I said.
"At my own price?" he demanded.
"At your own price. Did you think I would haggle with you?"
"No. It's I who intend to haggle with you. I'm going to make a
tremendous bargain. There's something that must go with the house.
Something that's worth more than all the Hyndses ever had in all
their lives. _You_, Sophy. My sweetheart, come!" And he stood there
shining-eyed, and held out his arms.
"Once I sent for you. Once I called you. And both times you came to
me, Sophy. You came because you are mine. _Come!_" said Nicholas
Jelnik. And the golden lights danced in and out of his eyes that
were like brown mountain water when the sun is upon it, and his hair
was like Absalom's.
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