‘Then I must do what I can for you,’ said Barbara. Barbara was resolved what to do. She would speak to her father, if necessary; but before that she must have a word on the matter with Jasper. It was impossible to tolerate an attachment and secret engagement between him and her sister. She sought an opportunity of speaking privately to the young man, and easily found one. But when they were together alone, she discovered that it was not easy to approach the topic that was uppermost in her mind. ‘I was very tired last night, Mr. Jasper,’ she said, ‘over-tired, and I am hardly myself this morning. The loss of my aunt, the funeral, the dividing of her poor little treasures, and then the lengthy ride, upset me. It was very ridiculous of me last night to cry, but a girl takes refuge in tears when overspent, it relieves and even refreshes her.’ Then she hesitated and looked down. But Barbara had a strong will, and when she had made up her mind to do what she believed to be right, allowed no weakness to interfere with the execution. ‘And now I want to speak about something else. I must beg you will not encourage Eve. She is a child, thoughtless and foolish.’ ‘Yes; she should be kept more strictly guarded. I do not encourage her. I regret her giddiness, and give her good advice, which she casts to the winds. Excuse my saying it, but you and Mr. Jordan are spoiling the child.’ ‘My father and I spoil Eve! That is not possible.’ ‘You think so; I do not. The event will prove which is right, Miss Jordan.’ Barbara was annoyed. What right had Jasper to dictate how Eve was to be treated? ‘That ring,’ began Barbara, and halted. ‘It is not lost again, surely!’ said Jasper. Barbara frowned. ‘I am not alluding to my ring which you found along with my glove, but to that which you gave to Eve.’ ‘I gave her no ring; I do not understand you.’ ‘It is a pretty little thing, and a toy. Of course you only gave it her as such, but it was unwise.’ ‘I repeat, I gave her no ring, Miss Jordan.’ ‘She says that she found it, but it is most improbable.’ Jasper laughed, not cheerfully; there was always a sadness in his laughter. ‘You have made a great mistake, Miss Jordan. It is true that your sister found the ring. That is, I conclude she did, as yesterday she found a chest in the garret full of old masquerading rubbish, and a tambourine, and I know not what besides.’ A load was taken off Barbara’s mind. So Eve had not deceived her. ‘She showed me a number of her treasures,’ said Jasper. ‘No doubt whatever that she found the ring along with the other trumpery.’ Barbara’s face cleared. She drew a long breath. ‘Why did not Eve tell me all?’ she said. ‘Because,’ answered the young man, ‘she was afraid you would be angry with her for getting the old tawdry stuff out of the box, and she asked me not to tell you of it. Now I have betrayed her confidence, I must leave to you, Miss Jordan, to make my peace with Miss Eve.’