"Nobody is married without a ring. The man puts a ring on the woman's finger and says things."
"Well—I can say the things and we'll just play there's a ring."
"No."
"Oh, come along!"
"No."
Now Cyrus had become interested in this business. He felt a pride in carrying it through. To fail now would be disgrace. In vexation he raised his right hand—the one not holding Ruth's—and thrust its thumb between his teeth. On that hand something glistened.
"Why, there's a ring!" exclaimed Ruth, "right on your finger! Isn't it lucky."
Cyrus regarded the little silver band.
Ruth repeated: "Isn't it lucky!"
Cyrus hesitated. "Do I have to give it to you?"