"Is this ring of mine very valuable?"
"Rather so."
"Worth how much?"
"You certainly are rude, Helen," replied the earl, with a smile. "Well, if you particularly wish to know, I believe it is worth two hundred pounds."
"Two hundred pounds!"
"Was that so alarming? How many times must I suggest that a man may do what he likes with his own? It was mine—that is, my mother's, and I gave it to you. I hope you are worth to me at least two hundred pounds."
But no cheerfulness removed the settled cloud from Mrs. Bruce's face.
"Now—answer me—you know, Helen, you always answer me candidly and truly, what makes you put that question about the ring?"
"Because I wished to sell it."
"Sell it! why?"