“Nothing is too magnificent for you.”
“But, really, will it not attract too much attention?”
“I think not. You are not ashamed of it, are you?”
“No, indeed. Only it might be considered too large for an engagement ring,” she said. But observing that he looked pained, she added: “It is very beautiful. It is like a big drop of sunlight.”
“I am glad you like it. But perhaps it might not be considered in good taste for an engagement ring. Let us go to Tiffany's now and ask your sister. I'll give you all home news as we drive down. But don't you remove the ring. I am superstitious about that.”
Mercedes laughed and arose, saying: “I will not touch it. I'll go now to put on my bonnet. Elvira told me I may drive down with you to Tiffany's, if I wished. I won't be gone but two minutes.”
“When am I going to have one sweet kiss?” said he, in pleading tones. “Only one.”
“I don't know—I can't tell,” she said, running off, eluding him.
The gentle motion of Mrs. Mechlin's luxuriantly cushioned carriage invited conversation, and Elvira soon perceived that her aunt desired to know all about Clarence's family and history and wished to obtain all necessary information in that respect as they drove down Broadway to Tiffany's, Elvira therefore proceeded to enlighten the good lady, remembering, however, that George had cautioned her never to mention that old Darrell had taken land on the rancho in the sincere conviction that by wise enactments of Congress, to rob people of their lands, was and had been made a most honest transaction.
“My aunt will not understand,” George had said, “and never realize the effect that our legislation has upon us, as a nation, particularly upon the untraveled, the stay-at-home Americans, and more specially yet, the farmers. She will not believe old Darrell honest in his error, and no matter whether Clarence might be the prince of good fellows, to her he will always be the son of a squatter, of one who steals land. No matter under whose sanction—theft is theft to her—and she would snap her fingers at the entire Senate and House of Representatives, if those honorable bodies undertook to prove to her that by getting together and saying that they can authorize American citizens to go and take the property of other citizens (without paying for it) and keep it—and fight for it to keep it—that the proceeding is made honorable and lawful.”