“If we need it, then our capital is there safely round your neck,” he said. “And think of the impression they will cause. They are pearls of the very finest quality. I have it on very good authority.”
“They are so beautiful,” Paolina enthused. “But – ”
“There are no buts,” Sir Harvey answered. “They are yours and I want you to wear them.”
“Is that why you sent for the jeweller?” Paolina asked.
“One reason,” he answered. “But don’t waste time asking questions. Let me put them round your neck.”
She bent her graceful head towards him and he clasped the pearls round the warm ivory column of her throat. They shone there against her skin, warm and slightly pink with that subtle lustre which reminded her of the first fingers of dawn in the sky. She put her hand against them wonderingly and t
