Maggie walled her eyes in amazement at such an outrageous suspicion.
“No, M’am! I aint open my mouf—has I Mister Steve?”
“Certainly not,” Steve answered curtly.
“I thought I heard your voice in the hall,” Stella continued, looking sternly at Maggie.
“Nobum! Twan’t me. I nebber stop er second. I pass right straight on froo de hall—nebber even look t’ward Mr. Steve.”
“You can go,” was the stern command. “Yassum!” Maggie half whispered, backing out the door, her eyes travelling quickly from Steve to her mistress.
“As my affianced bride,” he went on firmly, “I cannot afford to have you receive the man who is my bitterest enemy.”
With a smile, Stella quickly but quietly removed the ring from her hand and gave it to Steve, who stood for a moment paralysed with astonishment. “Stella!” he gasped.
“The burden of your affianced bride is too heavy for my young shoulders.”
“Forgive me dear!” he pleaded.