There, that is all." As she spoke Juanna began to draw the signet-ring from her left hand.
But she never completed the act.

It was his gift to her, the only outward link between her and the man whom she had lost--why should she part with it?
It reminded her of so much.

She knew now that this mock marriage was in a sense a true one; that is, so far as she was concerned, for from that hour she had indeed given her spirit into his keeping--not herself, but her better half and her love; and those solemn words over her in that dreadful place and time had consecrated the gift.

It was nothing, it meant nothing; yet on her it should be binding, though not on him.

Yes, all her life she would remain as true to him in mind and act as though she had indeed become his wife on that night of fear.