"
"I am not any more selfish than other people, but I am honest. I don't
go around deceiving myself with the idea that if I go I shall be doing
something wonderful. But you--that's why you are going--to be
wonderful in your own eyes, and Jean's eyes and in the eyes of the
world."
"I don't think it is that," he said soberly. "I hope not. I have
tried to see straight. I sometimes think it is you who are seeing
crooked, Hilda."
They faced each other squarely. Her chin was slightly lifted. He
caught the gleam of jewels at her throat.
"Hilda," he said, sharply, "where did you get those diamonds?"
Her hand flew up to them. She was not in the least disconcerted. "I
might as well tell you. They belonged to the General's wife. I didn't
have anything to do tonight, so I've been trying them on. There isn't
any harm in that, is there?"
"It's rather dangerous," slowly; "why didn't you take the collar off?"
"The snap caught just as you came, and I couldn't unfasten it."
"Did the General know that you tried them on?"
"Of course not. He was asleep."
"Bend your head down, and let me look at the snap.
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