"But go where you will, Marion, you will write to me and see me sometimes?" "Of course I shall. If I remain in London it will be comparatively easy, and if I go into the country you will be obliged to follow me." "I wish I could disguise myself as a page and go with you," he said. "I do not see how I am to live without you." He did another thing which touched her generous heart--he painted a picture, and with the proceeds of the sale of it he purchased a ring for her. It was his sister who told her how the ring was procured. "It is my belief," said Miss Lyster, "that if he could change his whole heart into one great ruby, he would do so, and offer it to you." She placed the ring on her finger, and he made her promise never to take it off. It was made of rubies and opals set in pure gold. "Do not remove that, Marion," he said, "until I can find a plain gold ring and that shall bind you to me for as long as we both shall live." CHAPTER VIII. A change came at last--one for which none of the three had been prepared: Lord Ridsdale married. The first thing the new Lady Ridsdale did was to insist on the removal of Miss Arleigh from school. "Nearly eighteen," she said, "and still at school! My dear William, the only wonder is that the poor girl has not fallen into some dreadful mischief. She ought to have been presented last year. We must have her home at once." Lady Ridsdale was a woman of the world; she knew exactly how much eclat and importance would accrue to her from the fact of being chaperone to a wealthy heiress like Miss Arleigh. "Is the girl pretty?" she asked her husband; and to do him justice, he looked much confused. "I hardly know what to answer you, Laura. I must confess the truth; I have not seen her for two years and more. When my wife died I was quite at a loss what to do with her, so I sent her to school. Miss Carleton promised to take complete charge of her, and I have not seen her, as I say, for more than two years." "Was she a pretty girl then?" persisted Lady Ridsdale. "I think so. Miss Carleton said she was beautiful. She had been crying when I saw her, so that I could hardly judge." "A beauty, and a wealthy heiress! We must have her at home at once, William. We will fetch her without any delay." Lord Ridsdale thought some of the servants might go, that it was hardly necessary for him to make the journey. His wife laughed at him. "You do not know the social importance of your ward," she said. "Before long Miss Arleigh will be one of the queens of society, heiress of Hanton, and of the large fortune left by her father; we shall have some of the first men in England wooing her. She may be a duchess if she likes." At which intelligence Lord Ridsdale opened his eyes.