"I will be responsible for their genuineness," he returned. "See!" he
added, drawing a card from his pocket and writing rapidly upon it. "I
will give you this to ease your conscience."

She took it and read:

"I, the undersigned, purchase of Mrs. Bently a pair of crescent ornaments
which she affirms are paste, but which I am content to accept as genuine,
for the sum agreed upon."

The price was carried out in figures, and his full name signed
underneath.

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"You are determined to befriend me, in spite of my scruples," she
murmured, brokenly.

"I would gladly do a hundred-fold more for you," he replied, with tender
earnestness. "Will you let me have the crescents now?"

"Yes, and thank you more than I can express," she answered, with drooping
lids.

He drew forth a wallet filled with bills, and began to count out the sum
he had named.

"Wait a moment," said Mrs. Bently, the color mounting to her temples; "I
have a handsome case for the ornaments. I will go and get it for you."