"Largely because I thought you could use it for both an engagement ring now, and a wedding ring when we get married--which was what I wanted." And without another word, he took the discarded gold circle and threw it into the fire. "And partly," he went on quite calmly--as if nothing unusual had happened, and as if it was an everyday occurrence to burn up ladies' property without consulting them--"because I thought it was beautiful, and--suitable, like the little star." "And you expect me to wear it, publicly, now?" "I shall put it a little stronger than that--I shall insist upon your doing so." She looked up in surprise, her cheeks flushing at his tone, but he went on quietly: "I've just written my mother, and asked her to tell the rest of the family, that we are engaged. They have as much right to know as your uncle. You can do as you please about telling other people, of course. But you can't wear another man's ring any longer. And it seems to me, as we shall no longer be living in the same house, and as I shall be coming constantly to see you after you come back to Hamstead, that it would be much more dignified if I could do so openly, in the role of your prospective husband. While as far as your friends here are concerned--after what you told me this morning--I think you must agree with me that it is much fairer to let them know at once how things stand with you, and introduce me to them." "I don't want to use up these few precious days giving parties. I want you to myself." "I know, dear--that's what I'd prefer, in one way, too. But I have got to take some time for business, and later on your friends will feel that you were ashamed of me--and be justified in feeling so--when they learn that we are to be married, and that you were not willing to have me meet them when I was here." Sylvia did not answer, but sat with her eyes downcast, biting her lips, and pulling the new ring back and forth on her finger. "That is, of course, unless you _are_ ashamed--are you perfectly sure of your own mind? If not, my letter isn't posted yet, and it is very easy to tell your uncle that you have found you were mistaken in your feelings." "What would you do if I should?" she asked defiantly. "Do? Why, nothing. Tell him the same thing, of course, pack my suit-case, and start back to Hamstead as soon as I had met the men I came to see on business." "Oh, Austin, how can you talk so! I don't believe you really want me, after all!" "Don't you?" he asked in an absolutely expressionless voice, and pushing back his chair he walked over to the window, turning his back on her completely. She was beside him in an instant, promising to do whatever he wished and begging his forgiveness. But it was so long before he answered her, or even looked at her, that she knew that for the second time that day she had wounded him almost beyond endurance.