‘It was very odd of the mouse,’ said Eve, ‘to sit with her little back to the room, looking into the dark, and her tail hanging out into the chamber.’ She thought to divert her father’s thoughts from his fancies. ‘Eve!’ he said in a hoarse voice, and turned sharply round on her, ‘let me see your mother’s ring again. To-day you shall put it on. Hitherto you have worn it hung round your neck. To-day you shall bear it on your finger, in token that you are engaged.’ ‘Oh, papa, dear! I don’t——’ ‘Which is it to be, Lanherne or Mr. Coyshe?’ ‘I won’t indeed go to Lanherne.’ ‘Very well; then you will take Mr. Coyshe. He will make you happy. He will not always live here; he talks of a practice in London. He tells me that he has found favour with the Duke. If he goes to London——’ ‘Oh, papa! Is he really going to London?’ ‘Yes, child!’ ‘Where all the theatres are! Oh, papa! I should like to live in a town, I do not like being mewed up in the country. Will he have a carriage?’ ‘I suppose so.’ ‘Oh, papa! and a tiger in buttons and a gold band?’ ‘I do not know.’ ‘I am sure he will, papa! I’d rather have that than go to Lanherne.’ Mr. Jordan knocked with his stick against the wall. Eve was frightened. ‘Papa, don’t be too hasty. I only meant that I hate Lanherne!’ In fact, she was alarmed by his mention of the ring, and following her usual simple tactics had diverted the current of his thoughts into another direction. Barbara and Mr. Coyshe came in. ‘She consents,’ said Mr. Jordan. ‘Eve, give him your hand. Where is the ring?’ She drew back. ‘I want the ring,’ he said again, impatiently. ‘Papa, I have not got it—that is—I have mislaid it.’ ‘What!’ he exclaimed, trying to sit up, and becoming excited. ‘The ring—not lost! Mislaid! It must be found. I will have it. Your mother’s ring! I will never, never forgive if that is lost. Produce it at once.’ ‘I cannot, papa. I don’t know—— O—Mr. Coyshe, quick, give me your hand. There! I consent. Do not be excited, dear papa. I’ll find the ring to-morrow.’ CHAPTER XLIII. IN A MINE.