“Don’t take it off,” implored Barbara. “It was my mother’s. It was her wedding ring.”
“That’s all right, dear. But you must take it off, just the same. You can wear it on the other hand, if you like—or put it away; a keepsake like that is best locked up in some box. I’ll give you all the rings you’ll need to wear from now on.”
He snapped open a tiny case of white velvet and flashed its imbedded jewel in her averted eyes.
“Do you like it, dear? Do you think it’s pretty? I couldn’t get anything decent in this hole, of course, so I sent to the city for it. It just came by express, last night. I found it when I got back from my delightful ride with that old crab, Jarvis.”
“I hope it’ll fit; let me put it on, dearest.”
“David—I—can’t; don’t you see—I am not free to—to——”
“What in Heaven’s name are you talking about? Aren’t we engaged?”
“I—don’t know,” the girl said slowly. “No,—not till fall. You mustn’t——”
“Damn old Jarvis, if he’s been putting any such notions into your head!” cried David. “Why, Barbara, you’re talking nonsense. Didn’t he tell you you could get a release? I’ll buy the fellow off. I told Jarvis I would.”
“Why, of course, I did. And I mean to. We’ll be married by that time. Now, don’t say _no_. Just give me a show to prove what ought to need no urging on my part to make you see. If we are married hard and fast there’ll be no back talk coming from Jarvis or anybody else. Can’t you see that, dear? I dare say the fellow is only waiting for a good excuse to demand his money back, and we’ll give it to him. Come, sweetheart, let me put this ring on your dear little finger, and next month I’ll add another of a different sort. Then I’ll be in a position to talk business with old Jarvis, or his client, whoever he is. I’ll say, ‘Here’s your money, sir,’ short and sharp; ‘take it or leave it, as suits you best. My wife doesn’t go out to service with any man.’ That’s my sensible girl!”
He would have drawn her again into his arms. But she resisted him tensely.
“You don’t understand, David, and you must understand,” she said slowly. “I—promised I wouldn’t—till——”
“You promised! Who in the devil did you promise? You promised me, and I’m going to hold you to it.”
“No; not till after I was bound, and I—only promised you conditionally. Don’t you remember, David?”