The girl gave a reckless laugh of wounded pride.
"Yes; I sent him a note, with his ring, just now, setting him free."
"You were precipitate, Roma; you should have waited for an explanation."
"I did not choose to wait!"
"I fear you will regret it."
"I do not think it likely."
Mrs. Clarke gazed at her in sorrowful silence, whose reproach goaded Roma into adding haughtily:
"I wished to teach Jesse, early, a lesson that I am not to be neglected for anything; that I must be foremost always in his thoughts."
"But have you not gone too far in giving him this lesson? His thoughts will not belong to you now."
"He will bring back his ring, and beg me to take it back to-morrow."