Gratitude hasn't got anything to do with--" he did not finish the sentence.
"But you DID save his life, and you know it, and I just love you for it," she insisted, ignoring his criticism as she again smoothed his hand.

"You did a fine, noble act, and I am proud of you and I came to tell you so." Then she added suddenly: "You received my message last night, didn't you?
Now, don't tell me that that good-for-nothing Peter forgot it." "No, he gave it to me, and it was so kind of you." "Well, then I forgive him.

And now," here she made a little salaam with both her hands--"now you have Ruth's message." "I have what ?" he asked in astonishment.
"Ruth's message." She still kept her face straight although her lips quivered with merriment.
Jack tried to lift his head: "What is her message ?" he asked with expectant eyes--perhaps she had sent him a letter! Miss Felicia tapped her bosom with her forefinger.
"ME!" she cried, "I am her message.

She was so worried last night when she found out how ill you were that I promised her to come and comfort you; that is why it is ME.

And now, don't you think you ought to get down on your knees and thank her?
Why, you don't seem a bit pleased!" "And she sent you to me--because--because--she was GRATEFUL that I saved her father's life ?" he asked in a bewildered tone.
"Of course--why shouldn't she be; is there anything else you can give her she would value as much as her father's life, you conceited young Jackanapes ?" She had the pin through the butterfly now and was watching it squirm; not maliciously--she was never malicious.