"Who gave you that?" he asks, impulsively, knowing well the answer to his question.
"Archibald," removing her hand quietly, but with determination.
A dead silence follows. Then, speaking calmly by a supreme effort, Guy says:
"I suppose so. Are you going to marry your cousin, Lilian?"
"Is it in the capacity of guardian you ask that question?" defiantly. "You should remember I don't acknowledge one."
"Must I understand by that you will accept him, or have accepted him?"
"Certainly not. You told me yesterday you found it impossible to understand me at any time; why seek to do what is beyond your power? However, I don't mind telling you that as yet Archibald has not made me a formal offer of his heart and hand. No doubt"—mockingly—"when he does me the honor to propose to me, he will speak to you on the subject." Then she laughs a little. "Don't you think it is rather absurd arranging matters for poor Archie without his consent? I assure you he has as much idea of proposing to me as the man in the moon."
"If you are not engaged to him you should not wear his ring," severely.
"I am not engaged to you, and I wear your ring. If it is wrong to accept a ring from a man to whom one is not engaged, I think it was very reprehensible of you to give me this," pointing to it.
"With me it is different," Guy is beginning, rather lamely, not being sure of his argument; but Miss Chesney, disdaining subterfuge, interrupts him.