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Mrs Tri it out of its braid and pinning so nervously on her lower lip as he examined her, and she exuded a shy loveliness that was as enticing as it was puzzling, considering he'd never dreamed she had a shy bone in her body

"Henry," he said softly, "you lookyou look"He searched for the right word but couldn't find it Finally he burst out with, "You look so nice!"

It was theanyone had ever said to her

"Do you think so?" she breathed, reverently touching the dress "Do you really think so?"

"I know so," he said firmly He looked up at Mrs Tri you some fashion plates to look at, if you'd like"

"Please"

"But Dunford," Henry whispered urgently, "this is for your sister"

"How could I give that dress toon you?" he asked in what he hoped was a practical tone "Besides, now that I think of it, you probably could use a new dress or two"

"I have outgrown the ones I have," she said, sounding a bit wistful

"Then you shall have it"

"But I haven't any money"

"It's my present"

"Oh, but I couldn't let you do that," she said quickly

"Why ever not? It's my money"

She looked torn "I don't think it's proper"

He kneasn't proper but wasn't about to tell her so "Look at it this way, Henry If I didn't have you, I'd have to hire soe Park"

"You could probably do it on your o," she said brightly, giving hiroaned Trust Henry to disarm him with kindness "I probably wouldn't have the tiations in London, you know So the way I see it, you save es A dress or two is the least I can do, considering"

Put that way, it didn't sound quite so improper, Henry decided And she did love the dress She'd never felt so wolide when she walked, like those fashionable woht," she said slowly "If you think it's the right thing"

"I know it's the right thing Oh, and Henry?"

"Yes?"