Then I drove home, with my heart singing, for I felt almost sure that I
had trumped Godensky's last trick now.
When I reached home Miss Forrest was there. She had brought the diamonds
in the brocade bag. Oddly enough, the ribbons which fastened it were
torn out, as if there had been a struggle for the possession of the bag.
But Miss Forrest did not explain this, or even allude to it at all.
I thanked her for coming and for bringing the jewels. "I have kept my
promise," I said. "The man you love will be free in a few days. Will you
let me say that I think you are a very noble pair, and I hope you will
be happy together."
"I shall try to make up to him for--my hateful suspicions
and--everything," she said, like a repentant child. "I love him so
much!"
"And he you. You almost broke his heart by throwing him over; I saw
that. But how gloriously you will mend it again!"
"Oh, I hope so!" she cried. "And you--have I really spoiled your life by
forcing you to make that promise? I pray that I haven't."
"I thought you had, but I was mistaken," I answered. "The thing you have
made me do has proved a blessing. I may have--altered some of the facts
a little, but none of those that concern Mr.
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