"You are most kind," said Emilia, giving him the ring. "And I can pay what I owe the landlord."
"You cannot do that out of a thousand francs. Try and be a little sensible, and say nothing more about it. After all, it was Gerald who brought you here, and the responsibility, which was his, is now mine. Here is the money. You will give me a receipt for it? Otherwise I should not be able to account for my possession of a ring you have always worn upon your finger."
"Kindly write out the receipt," said Emilia, "and I will sign it."
Leonard wrote the receipt, which Emilia signed.
"This will not do," he said. "You have signed it in a name which does not belong to you."
She had signed "Emilia Paget." She shuddered at Leonard's remark.
"How else should I sign it?"
"In the name which is your own," said Leonard, tearing up the paper, and writing another; "Emilia Braham."
He placed the fresh receipt before her, and with trembling fingers she affixed the name, "Emilia Braham." Leonard exulted. Here was a proof which he had not thought of obtaining. Being dated, it might serve as an open admission that Emilia, living with his brother, was quite aware that she was not his wife. The confession and the renunciation were of her own doing.
"Can I do anything more for you?" he asked.