"How dare you cross-question me? Don't you suppose I know it's you that have brought in the town's chatter, and magnified it, and—"
"Your sister has done no more than her duty. She at least cares something for the family dignity. She has felt all this gossip to the quick."
"I've no doubt of it," said Val.
"Where is my ring?"
"Y—your ring?"
"Yes, my engagement ring. There has never been any need to hide that."
"I—"
"Ah, I see! there, too, you took the initiative. You don't bring back a ring, but you left one behind. He has a pledge to show, if you haven't. But my ring was never meant for that; send and get it back. Give me your arm, Emmeline." They passed Val by. At the threshold the old woman turned. "Send and get it back, I say!"
A soft knock at the front door arrested her.
"Go and see, Emmeline." Mrs. Gano sat down on the chair just inside the door, averting her face from Val. At the sound of Wilbur's voice she half rose. "At this hour!"