"Do you care for the church ceremony, or will the one at the Consulate do?" "I should think that would be quite enough for us." The ring cases were all lying upon the table by me--I pointed to them. "I wonder if you would choose an engagement ring?" and I began opening the lids. "It is customary, you know," I went on as she started reluctantly. I intended to be firm with her in all the points where I had rights. "Don't you think it is a little ridiculous?" she asked. "A ring for a mere business arrangement?" I would not allow myself to be hurt, but I was conscious that I felt a little angry. "You would prefer not to choose a ring then? Very well, I will decide for you," and I took up one really magnificent single stone diamond, set as only Cartier can set stones. "This is the last thing in modernity," and I handed it to her. "A hard white diamond of egregious size, it cannot fail to be a reminder of our hard business bargain, and I shall ask you to be good enough to wear it." I suppose she saw that I was not pleased, for she drew in her lips a little, but she took the ring. Her hands seemed very restless as she held it, they were certainly not nearly so red as they formerly were. "Am I to put it on now?" "Please." She did so, only she put it on her right third finger, her cheeks growing pink. "Why do you do that?" I asked. "What?" "Put the ring on the wrong hand." She changed it reluctantly, then she burst out: "I suppose I ought to thank you for such a very splendid gift, but I can't, because I would much rather not have it, please do let us keep to business in every way, and please don't give me any more presents. I am going to be just your secretary, with my wages commuted into some lump sum, I suppose." I felt more angry, and I think she saw it. I remained silent, which forced her to speak. "Do you intend that I shall live here, in the flat?" "Of course. Will you please choose which of the two guest rooms you would prefer, they both have bathrooms, and you will have the decoration re-done as you wish." Silence. My exasperation augmented. "Will you also please engage a maid, and go and order every sort of clothes which you ought to have. I know by the way you were dressed when I saw you in the _Bois_ that Sunday, that your taste is perfect." She stiffened as I spoke. It was quite plain to be seen that she loathed taking anything from me, but I had no intention of ceding a single point where I had the right to impose my will. "You see you will be known as my wife, therefore you must dress according to the position, and have everything my mother used to have. Otherwise, people would not respect you, and only think that you were invidiously placed." Her cheeks flamed again at the last words. "It is difficult to picture it all," she said; "Tell me exactly what you expect of me daily."