In the heat of his indignation he lost all sense of his own dignity; he descended to the level of a woman whose intellect he believed to be deranged.

To the surprise of every one present, he stepped back and took from the table a jewel-case which he had placed there when he came into the room.

It was the wedding present from his mother which he had brought to his betrothed wife.

His outraged self-esteem seized the opportunity of vindicating Mercy by a public bestowal of the gift.
"Wait!" he called out, sternly.

"That wretch shall have her answer.