"For my wife, with all my love.

Jeff." And in her hand there lay a slender gold ring, exquisitely dainty, set with pearls.

A quick tremor went through Doris.

She guessed that it had belonged to his mother.
Again she read the few simple words; they seemed to her to hold an appeal which the man himself could never have uttered, and her heart quivered in response as a finely tempered instrument vibrates to a sudden sound.

Had she never understood him?
She finished her dressing with impulsive haste, and with Jeff's gift in her hand turned to leave the room.
Her heart throbbed violently as she descended.
What would his mood be when she found him?
If he would only be kind to her! Ah, if only he would be kind! Granny Grimshaw was lighting the lamps in the hall and parlour.
"Everyone's out but me," she said.