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.