'It is indeed exquisite—in material,' replied Alison, who of course had dined in the school-room with her pupils at one o'clock, and felt little or no interest to learn that Miss Victoria's lover, or admirer, was coming to a little dinner en famille at seven p.m.
'He will soon be here—how do you think I look?' she asked for the third or fourth time.
As Alison's delicate fingers were adjusting some parts of the lace, the sharp eyes of Miss De Jobbyns observed—as they had often done before—the ring, the engagement ring, which the former had received from her lover, under the whispering beeches, one evening.
'It is very beautiful, and must be valuable,' said Miss De Jobbyns, examining it closely.
'It is valuable.'
'Too much so, I think, for—for one teaching to wear.'
'When it was given to me, teaching was not thought of,' said Alison, in a low, sad voice.
'I have no end of lovely rings; but,' urged the girl, who was by nature covetous, 'you might lend it to me, just for to-night, though you wouldn't lend that funny ornament for the Le Robbynson's ball.'
'Excuse me,' replied Alison, coldly, 'it never leaves my finger.'
'Not even when you wash your hands?'