"One moment," said Miss Hargone, and touched the bell. When the servant appeared she gave him some instructions in a low voice; and when he withdrew returned to Torry. "I deny that I visited Mr. Grent," she said coolly; "and I can prove that what I say is true. You go by the evidence that I wore this ring on that day?" "Yes; it is a peculiar ring, and was recognised when you removed your glove to pay the cabman." "Well, we shall see. Here is Donna Maria." The Spanish girl entered the room with a sad expression. She started when she saw Torry, but recovering herself, came forward with an air of composure, and bowed gravely. Then she turned to Lydia. "You sent for me, I believe," said she coldly. "Yes, dear," replied the other, holding out the disputed ring in the palm of her hand. "I wish you to tell Mr. Torry how I lost this ring." "How can that possibly interest him," said Maria, arching her brows. "Pardon me, it does interest me," said Torry eagerly. "I should like to know." "In that case I shall explain," answered Maria gravely. "Two months ago Miss Hargone lost her ring in the garden. We searched for it, but could not find it. A week before the death of my uncle, I picked it up in a flower bed, and slipped it on my finger, intending to return it. As you can see, I have done so. That is all." "When did you return it?" "When Miss Hargone came down here after the death of my uncle." "And you wore it previously?" "I did." "On the third finger of the right hand?" "Yes; but why do you----" "I ask these questions, miss, because that ring was seen on your finger on the Saturday you visited your uncle's chambers." Donna Maria turned pale. "I--I did----" she faltered. "You told me a falsehood before," said Torry coldly. "Do you intend to tell me another?" "No!" cried Maria, raising her head proudly. "I did visit those rooms." CHAPTER XVII MORE MYSTERIES It was with a triumphant smile on her lips that Lydia heard what Maria said about the ring and visit. When Torry was assured of the truth, she spoke to him with composure and some insolence. "You see, sir," said she, "I did not wear my ring on that day, nor did I visit Mr. Ghent's chambers. You owe me an apology for your doubts." "It would seem so," replied Torry with affected humility. "Do you think I owe Mr. Leighbourne one also?" "Mr. Leighbourne?" echoed Miss Hargone coolly. "You mean the elder?" "I mean the younger, the one from whom you received a telegram." The unexpectedness of this query threw Lydia off her guard. "How do you know I received a telegram from him?" she asked. "I met the telegraph boy and he told me." "Told you that I had received a telegram?" "Yes," said Torry truthfully. "From Mr. Leighbourne, junior?" "Yes," said Torry falsely. "Of course, you'll deny it?" "No," said Lydia with brazen assurance; "why should I deny it?" "Why indeed, miss, seeing that Mr. Frederick Leighbourne loves you." "Does he, indeed? That is news to me."