[CHAPTER XIII.]
LADYBIRD'S LOVE-TEST.
"Proud young head, so lightly lifted,
Crowned with waves of gleaming hair;
Eyes that flash with tell-tale mischief,
Fearless eyes to do and dare;
Cheeks that start to sudden flame,
Willful mouths that none can tame."
—Elaine Goodale.
Those angry words to Aura Stanley had barely passed Earle Winans' lips ere he regretted them, although he knew quite well that she had deserved them, and had dropped the ring purposely, as she had told Ladybird she would do.
But he regretted his exhibition of temper, and was about to apologize, when her angry words arrested the speech on his lips.
"You villain! How dare you insult me like that!"
Although they seemed to be alone on the river-bank, there were several young men near by under a tree, and, catching Aura's angry denunciation, they hurried to the spot.
Aura turned quickly toward them, exclaiming maliciously: