The Avalanche - Page 95/95

She drew it from her bosom and handed it to him. He fastened the ruby in

its place and threw the chain over her neck. The great jewel lit up the

front of her somber gown like a sudden torch in a cavern.

The stern despair of Helene's tragic mask relaxed. She dropped her face

into her hands and began to sob. Then Ruyler was himself again. He

picked her up in his arms and settled comfortably into the deepest of

the chairs.