Then followed a wonderful hour . The little low-ceilinged room , with its square window , into which he took her , was filled with the flotsam and jetsam of his roving life -- things beautiful and odd and strange beyond all telling . The things that pleased Rachel most were two huge shells on the chimney piece -- pale pink shells with big crimson and purple spots . `` Oh , I did n't know there could be such pretty things in the world , '' she exclaimed . `` If you would like , '' began the big man ; then he paused for a moment . `` I 'll show you something prettier still . '' Rachel felt vaguely that he meant to say something else when he began ; but she forgot to wonder what it was when she saw what he brought out of a little corner cupboard . It was a teapot of some fine , glistening purple ware , coiled over by golden dragons with gilded claws and scales . The lid looked like a beautiful golden flower and the handle was a coil of a dragon 's tail . Rachel sat and looked at it rapt-eyed . `` That 's the only thing of any value I have in the world -- now , '' he said . Rachel knew there was something very sad in his eyes and voice . She longed to kiss him again and comfort him . But suddenly he began to laugh , and then he rummaged out some goodies for her to eat , sweetmeats more delicious than she had ever imagined . While she nibbled them he took down an old violin and played music that made her want to dance and sing . Rachel was perfectly happy . She wished she might stay forever in that low , dim room with all its treasures . `` I see your little friends coming around the point , '' he said , finally . `` I suppose you must go . Put the rest of the goodies in your pocket . ''
He took her up XXXXX his arms and held her tightly against his breast for a single moment .
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