Euphra glanced slightly at it without touching it, and said:
“I am sure I could make nothing of it.—But,” she added, as if struck by a sudden thought, “as Lady Emily seems interested in it—suppose we send for Mr. Sutherland. I have no doubt he will be able to decipher it.”
She rose as if she would go for him herself; but, apparently on second thoughts, went to the bell and rang it.
“Oh! do not trouble yourself,” interposed Lady Emily, in a tone that showed she would like it notwithstanding.
“No trouble at all,” answered Euphra and her uncle in a breath.
“Jacob,” said Mr. Arnold, “take my compliments to Mr. Sutherland, and ask him to step this way.”
The man went, and Hugh came.
“There’s a puzzle for you, Mr. Sutherland,” said Mr. Arnold, as he entered. “Decipher that inscription, and gain the favour of Lady Emily for ever.”
As he spoke he put the ring in Hugh’s hand. Hugh recognized it at once.
“Ah! this is Lady Euphrasia’s wonderful ring,” said he.