“I thank you, sir, but there is nought.”

By now they had reached the stable. Carstares opened the door and they entered.

“Then will you accept this in token of my regard, sir?”

Mr. Chilter gazed at the emerald ring that glowed and winked at him from the palm of my lord’s hand. He looked up into the blue eyes and stammered a little.

“Indeed, sir⁠—I⁠—I⁠—”

“ ’Tis honestly come by!” pleadingly. “Come, Mr. Chilter, you’ll not hurt my feelings by refusing? You will keep it in remembrance of a man⁠—a fat man, Mr. Chilter⁠—who rudely jerked you on to the road?”

The clerk took it with unsteady fingers.

“I thank you most⁠—”