He gazed down at her quizzically. “And—is Joe more reasonable?” “He will be. He knows now that I—that I shall not marry him.” “Poor chap! He'll buck up, of course. But it's a little hard just now.” “I believe you think I should have married him.” “I am only putting myself in his place and realizing—When do you leave?” “Just after breakfast.” “I am going very early. Perhaps—” He hesitated. Then, hurriedly:— “I got a little present for you—nothing much, but your mother was quite willing. In fact, we bought it together.” He went back into his room, and returned with a small box. “With all sorts of good luck,” he said, and placed it in her hands. “How dear of you! And may I look now?” “I wish you would. Because, if you would rather have something else—” She opened the box with excited fingers. Ticking away on its satin bed was a small gold watch. “You'll need it, you see,” he explained nervously, “It wasn't extravagant under the circumstances. Your mother's watch, which you had intended to take, had no second-hand. You'll need a second-hand to take pulses, you know.” “A watch,” said Sidney, eyes on it. “A dear little watch, to pin on and not put in a pocket. Why, you're the best person!” “I was afraid you might think it presumptuous,” he said. “I haven't any right, of course. I thought of flowers—but they fade and what have you? You said that, you know, about Joe's roses.