"I never before thought he was reverend and pious," said Margot.
"Well, he is; he's a clergyman of the Church of Ireland."
"Do they all play puss-in-the-corner?" inquired Margot.
"Oh, you silly, silly child. Now I'm going to show you something. It's a great secret. You must keep it tight in your heart."
"I will, auntie. The week will be up to-morrow, remember, and I think I can bear an extra secret until then."
Aunt Norah first of all walked to the door, which she locked. She then unlocked a certain drawer in her chest of drawers and produced a little box with a jeweller's name on it. She opened it and showed Margot a small, very poor-looking ring. It was without precious stones and had a twisted knot in the middle.
"It's pretty," said Margot, dubiously. She knew good rings, having seen so many at Arles.
"Pretty! you little cat; it's lovely."
"What does the twist mean?" asked Margot.
"That is a true lover's knot. This is my engagement ring. Dear Samuel went to Cork yesterday and bought it for me. Oh, Margot, when we are really married we'll live in a wee house of our own; and you shall come and see us, if you'll only promise not to talk about babies."