"But I am out of his power now, and I need not even see him again, I hope."
"No, it will not be necessary; for although you may grant him liberty to call this evening, I will be the one to receive him and settle his pretensions," replied the lady, decidedly.
While she was speaking her eyes fell on the dimpled white hands of Geraldine, and she saw for the first time that the young girl was wearing a superb diamond ring.
"If that is Mr. Standish's property, you had better let me return it to him," she remarked.
She was surprised at the warm blush that overspread the fair young face.
"It—it—is my engagement-ring, mamma," she said, shyly.
"Given to you by that wretch! Then of course you do not wish to keep it. You shall have all the diamonds you wish now, my dear one."
"Thank you, my precious mamma, for your generous promise. I adore diamonds, and shall enjoy possessing plenty of them, but with this one I would not part for a queen's ransom!" exclaimed pretty Geraldine, pressing her lips fondly to the shining ring on her fair hand.
Mrs. Fitzgerald could not repress her rising displeasure.