Page:MacGrath--The luck of the Irish.djvu/146

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH

"I'll keep it."

"I'd rather you threw it away, in the street."

"And I'd rather keep it. I'll tell you what. I'll trade it for a fresh one," with a boldness he had not thought himself capable of.

"I haven't any. That was one of the few I ever possessed. And it would please me if you threw it away. Some day I'll tell you why."

"All right, sister. I thought maybe you wouldn't mind if I kept it."

"I would mind very much. Perhaps in Florence or Venice I'll have another taken; and to one of those you'll be welcome. But not that. Would you mind if we returned at once? I am very tired."

William was careful to pick out a carriage with a taximeter. Neither of them spoke until they reached the Corso. He gave her a bundle of bank-notes.

"Oh yes; I had forgotten. You must be very careful of your money. Never carry a large sum about. Never keep your letter of credit with the little pink book of identification."

"I'm getting wise. I keep 'em separated these days. I wish we were at the same hotel. I'd like to know about that photograph. I mean," he added, hastily, "I'd like to see the guy who tore it up. You see, I kick on anybody tearing up something that was yours. You understand, don't you?"

"I believe I do. "Some impulse impelled her to add: "Don't put me on a pedestal. I'm just an

130