"That is a beautiful ring, Doris," he said, "and a costly one. Who gave it to you?" He took her hand and held it tightly in his own, while his face grew deadly pale. "I know but little of jewels," he continued, "but I can tell that this is costly and valuable. Who gave it to you?" Her face flushed deepest crimson, her eyes flashed fire. "That is no business of yours," she replied. But, rather to her surprise, Earle showed no fear of her anger, no irresolution. "I have a right to ask," he said. "You are my promised wife. Who gave you the jewel you wear on your hand?" "I refuse to answer you," she replied. "Doris," he said, and there was more of contempt than of pain in his voice. "Doris, has that anything to do with your coldness to me?" For one moment she looked at him steadily, then she seemed to remember that defiance and denial would be useless--would only cause inquiries. Her only way out of the difficulty lay in untruth. She smiled sweetly in his face. "My jealous Earle," she said; "who do you think gave me this ring?" "I cannot tell," he replied, gravely. "Will you promise, if I tell you, never to mention it?" "I promise faithfully, Doris." "Lady Estelle Hereford gave it to me on the day I went to Downsbury Castle. Are you jealous of her, Earle?" "No, my darling. I hope the time may come when I shall bring you even brighter jewels than this," and he kissed the fair, false hand as he spoke. CHAPTER XXVI. THE LAST HAPPY DAY OF HIS LIFE. "Earle," said Doris, suddenly, "I hope you will keep your promise, and not mention to any person a word about this ring." "I have never broken my word in my life," said Earle, proudly. "Because, when Lady Estelle gave it to me, she wished me not to mention it; they would be so jealous at home. Mattie would want one like it." Earle was indignant at this insinuation. "You do not understand Mattie if you think that," he said. "She would be pleased in your pleasure, not envious." Doris laughed. "You think all women are angels, Earle. I hope you may never find out your mistake." "I hope not," he said. "Of course I will respect your wishes, and keep the most perfect silence. At the same time, I think you are rather imprudent; and any one, seeing such a valuable ring in your possession, would naturally wonder how you came by it." "They may wonder," she said indifferently. "_I_ know, and that is quite sufficient. Is it really valuable, Earle? What do you think it is worth?" "I am no judge of such things," he said. "It is a large stone, full of fire, and without a flaw. I should imagine it to be worth two or three hundred pounds; it may be worth more, certainly not less." Three hundred pounds. Why, the bare idea of it was fabulous--to have a lover who could give you such jewels; it was like a fairy tale, and he would hang chains of such round her neck and arms.