There was a short pause, but Mark had an undefined sensation that it was
a satisfactory one in its way. Then Mary, with her veil lowered, passed
him with a quick step, and beckoned him to follow. She stopped once more
before they lost that corner; looked back; and waved her hand to Martin.
He made a start towards them at the moment as if he had some other
farewell words to say; but she only hurried off the faster, and Mr
Tapley followed as in duty bound.
When he rejoined Martin again in his own chamber, he found that
gentleman seated moodily before the dusty grate, with his two feet on
the fender, his two elbows on his knees, and his chin supported, in a
not very ornamental manner, on the palms of his hands.
'Well, Mark!'
'Well, sir,' said Mark, taking a long breath, 'I see the young lady safe
home, and I feel pretty comfortable after it. She sent a lot of kind
words, sir, and this,' handing him a ring, 'for a parting keepsake.'
'Diamonds!' said Martin, kissing it--let us do him justice, it was for
her sake; not for theirs--and putting it on his little finger. 'Splendid
diamonds! My grandfather is a singular character, Mark.
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