He could not restrain a look of admiration as his eyes rested on her dark beauty. She had put on her daintiest bonnet, with cardinal ribbons tied under her chin, and a bunch of crushed camellias of the same becoming hue nestled against her shell-like ear. A light cashmere overdress surmounted a petticoat of crimson velvet, and tiny jewels were fastened at her ears and throat. The flush of excitement that mantled her fair young face, lent an additional charm to her countenance, as she looked into her lover's face with all the eagei joy and confidence that filled her heart. Bijou looked a little more serious than usual, as he knocked the ashes from the end of his cigar. "_Ma foi_, you are enchanting to-night, Josephine," said he by way of greeting, "but as it looks like a storm, we must make business brisk. I have come to-night, Fifine," he said, taking her hand, "to ask a proof of the words you I uttered last night. I want you to show me bravely that you do think a little of me." "Only say the word, Bijou. Anything that is in my power. I will do it--anything that is not her voice faltered. "Is not what?" he asked very tenderly, bending over her, and then she regretted having doubted him. How could _he_ ask her anything that was not right? Poor Fifine. "Never mind," she stammered, "I will do anything I can to prove the truth of last nights words." "Darling" was the muttered answer "Come here, Fifine, nearer to me, I have something to show to your eyes alone--something that has no real worth at present, but I which will be a sacred thing in a little while." Fifine, her eyes open wide, and a curious expression of wonder in her face, bent over his broad shoulder. She saw nestling in its bed of ruby velvet, a plain gold band, tiny as her slender finger, but rich and heavy. She was slow to understand this silent surprise, and only said in a girlish way, "How lovely it is." Then Bijou looked earnestly at her, and his voice was almost mournful as he said. "If it is beautiful as it lies there in its folds of velvet, meaningless and comparatively useless, what would it be, do you think, were it a bond of union between two kindred souls--if it laid the duties of love, honor and submission on one, those of love, respect and kindness on the other, if it were the outward sign of a man's intense devotion and the safeguard of a woman's honor, if it was a love that bound two creatures to each other first, and then to their Creator--what then, Fifine?" "Oh, Bijou '" she cried, "you excite me with such grave speeches. If it were all these things it would indeed be sacred." "Come, Fifine, you have said you will do my wish; let me place this golden band upon your ringer, and insure you to me for the days to come."