Rachel felt vaguely that he meant to say something
else when he began; but she forgot to wonder what
it was when she saw what he brought out of a little
corner cupboard. It was a teapot of some fine,
glistening purple ware, coiled over by golden dragons
with gilded claws and scales. The lid looked like a
beautiful golden flower and the handle was a coil
of a dragon’s tail. Rachel sat and looked at it rapteyed.
“That’s the only thing of any value I have in the world — now,” he said.
Rachel knew there was something very sad in his eyes and voice. She longed to kiss him again and comfort him. But suddenly he began to laugh, and then he rummaged out some goodies for her to eat, sweetmeats more delicious than she had ever imagined. While she nibbled them he took down an old violin and played music that made her want to dance and sing. Rachel was perfectly happy. She wished she might stay forever in that low, dim room with all its treasures.
“I see your little friends coming around the point,” he said, finally. “I suppose you must go. Put the rest of the goodies in your pocket.”
He took her up in his arms and held her tightly against his breast for a single moment. She felt him kissing her hair.
