And I do wish to give it even 'to a chance acquaintance,' Miss Rodd, if you will allow me no more intimate term." "I have looked at them," she answered, as she examined the ring curiously.

It was of plain and somewhat massive gold, and deeply cut into the shield-faced bezel was the Outram crest, a hand holding a drawn sword, beneath which the motto was engraved.

"What is the last word of the motto ?" she went on; "it is so rubbed that I cannot read it--'For Home, Honour----'" "'And Heart,'" said Leonard.
Juanna blushed, though why the word "heart" should make her blush she knew not.
"Well, I will wear the ring, if you wish it, Mr.Outram, in memory of our adventure--that is, until you ask it back again," she said confusedly; then added with a change of tone: "There is one detail of the adventure that I hope you will not allude to more than you can avoid, for the recollection of it is most painful to me, probably more so even than to you." "I suppose you mean the ceremony of marriage, Miss Rodd." "I mean the wicked and abominable farce in which we were made to play a part," she answered passionately.

"Most of the witnesses of that shameful scene are dead and cannot speak of it, and if you will keep your servant the dwarf silent I will do the same by Father Francisco.
Let it be forgotten by both of us." "Certainly, Miss Rodd," said Leonard, "that is, if anything so strange can be forgotten.

And now, will you come to breakfast ?" She bowed her head in assent and swept past him, the red lilies in her hand.
"I wonder what hold she has over that priest," thought Leonard to himself, "that she talked of being able to keep him silent.