"You choose what you like," he told her when they were in the
jeweller's shop. The man behind the counter thought him the most
casual lover he had ever yet served. He looked at Christine with a
sort of pity; she was so eager and happy. He brought another tray of
diamond rings.

Christine appealed to Jimmy Challoner.

"I would much rather you chose one for me. Which one would you like
best?"

He shook his head.

"I don't mind--anything you like; you've got to wear it." He saw a
little swift look of amazement in her eyes; he roused himself.

"Diamonds are nice," he said with more enthusiasm.

Christine chose a single stone; the ring just fitted, and she turned
her little hand about delightedly to show Jimmy how the diamond flashed.

She felt as if she were walking on air as they left the shop. Now and
then she glanced at Jimmy as if afraid that she had dreamed all this.

She had loved him all her life; she was sure that he, too, must have
loved her, or he would never have asked her to be his wife.

They had tea together. Over the buttered muffins Jimmy said suddenly: