"In the first place," he complained, "you are not wearing my ring."
"I thought I told you," she reminded him, "that I would prefer not to until we formally announced our engagement."
"Why on earth shouldn't we do that at once—this evening?" he suggested. "I can see no reason for delay."
"I, on the other hand, have a fancy to wait," she replied carelessly, "at least until your visit here is over.
"Your hesitation is scarcely flattering," he remarked with some irritation.
"Is there anything else you wish to say?" she enquired. "I really must get out those bridge markers."
He began to show signs of temper. Watching him closely for the first time, Letitia decided that he had most unpleasant-looking eyes.
"I should like to know the subject of your conversation with that Thain fellow when I came in this evening," he demanded.
"I am sorry," she said coolly. "We were speaking upon a private subject."
The anger in his eyes became more evident.