"Would you like to know why Mrs. Harley put her fortune at my
command?"
"I suppose because she is interested in us and our little affair. Doesn't
all the world love a lover?" she asked, with a disarming candor.
"She had a better reason," he said, meeting her eyes gravely.
"You must tell me it--but not just yet. I have something to tell you
first." She held out her little clenched hand. "Here is something that
belongs to you. Can you open it?"
He straightened her fingers one by one, and took from her palm the
engagement-ring he had given her. Instantly he looked up, doubt and relief
sweeping his face.
"Am I to understand that you terminate our engagement?"
She nodded.
"May I ask why?"
"I couldn't bring myself to it, Waring. I honestly tried, but I couldn't do
it."
"When did you find this out?"
"I began to find it out the first day of our engagement. I couldn't make it
seem right. I've been in a process of learning it ever since. It wouldn't
be fair to you for me to marry you."
"You're a brick, Virginia!" he cried jubilantly.
"No, I'm not.
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