Julia rose to her feet.
“Wrong again,” she said. “You won’t even get it for being abusive—because you won’t be engaged.” The man’s lips tightened. “This little episode, Hubert, has opened my eyes. And I fear that life with you in South Street or anywhere else would be just a shade too exacting for this little girl.”
There was a moment’s silence.
Then—
“As you please,” said Hubert carelessly.
The girl hesitated.
“I—I’m afraid I can’t give you back your ring, because I’ve lost it.”
“What?”
“Lost it,” said Julia coolly. “You know. Like ‘mislaid’—only worse. I know I had it this morning when we started out: but it was a bit big, if you remember, and it must have slipped off.”
Challenger swallowed violently.