"I won't sell my ring," I said. "I am sorry to disoblige you, Lady Ursula, but the question is not one which leaves any room for consideration. I want my ring back. Will you give it to me, please?" I really don't know how aristocratic girls are brought up. I suppose they have a totally different training from girls who live in cottages, and are very poor. There is compensation in all things, and no doubt if self-denial is a virtue the cottage girl has a chance of acquiring it which is denied to the maid who inhabits the palace. If I never performed any other mission, I shall always feel that I was the first person who did for Lady Ursula Redmayne the inestimable service of saying "No" to a strong desire. It took this beautiful young woman several moments to realise that she absolutely could not have her way; that the humble and poor cottage girl would not part with her legitimate property. When Lady Ursula realised this, which she did after a considerable and fatiguing discussion, she sat silent for a moment or two. Then she jumped up and looked out of the window. She pulled aside the soft rose-coloured silk curtains to take this peep into the outer world. Her eager dark eyes looked down the street and up the street. For all her languor she was now fully alive and even quick in her movements. With a pettish action she let the rose curtains cover the window again, and going to the fireplace pressed the button of an electric bell. In a moment an elderly woman dressed in black silk, with a book-muslin apron, and a white cap with long streamers of lace, appeared. "Nurse," said Lady Ursula, "please give orders that I am not at home to any callers this morning." "I will attend to the matter, my lady," answered the nurse. "But if Captain Valentine calls?" "I am not at home--I make no exception." The nurse respectfully withdrew, and the door, which opened into the tapestry, was noiselessly closed. "Now," said Lady Ursula, turning to me, "I am going to confide in you, Miss Lindley." I felt quite cross. I was dying to be home with mother and Jack, and wondering if my poor new sister Hetty was being starved by Mrs Ashton. Lady Ursula looked at me with an expression which seemed to say-- "Now you are having an honour conferred on you." In reply to it, I rose to my feet, and I think some of the crossness in my heart got into my face. "Thank you," I said, "but I have only a moment to give you. My brother is dangerously ill at home, and I must go back as soon as possible." Lady Ursula slightly raised her delicate brows. I think she scarcely heard what I said about my brother. "Do sit down," she said, "I won't keep you a moment. What a queer girl you are! but very refreshing to meet. Now do sit down. You can't go, you know, until you get your ring. Miss Lindley, I must confide my story to you. I am engaged." I bowed my head very slightly.