“What is it, Patty?” he asked. “Van Reypen been kicking over the traces?”
“Yes; he seems to think he—he likes me yet.”
“Of course he does. How can he help it? But, my darling, there’s to be no petty jealousy between us and him. I trust you, dear, too well, to think for a minute that you’d listen to him if he says things that you don’t want to hear. Now, never think it will bother me, for it won’t. You love me, don’t you, Patty?”
“Yes,” she returned, and the blue eyes that met his left no room for doubt.
“Then, that’s all right. Don’t give him a thought. Darling, I’ve brought your ring.”
With a smile of pleasure, Farnsworth produced a lovely ring. It was set with a single pearl, which he had told Patty suited her far better than a diamond.
“Do you like it?” he asked eagerly. “Oh, Patty Blossom, do you?”
“I think it the most beautiful ring I ever saw!” she replied, her eyes glistening, as he slipped it on her finger.
“My pearl,” he whispered, close to her ear, “my Patty Pearl. This seals our betrothal, and makes you mine forever.”
“Am I any more yours than I was before I had it?”