"Crampton, request Mr. Sandys to give me that ring. I implore you to do as I ask you. Any explanation which you may require, I will give you afterwards."
Crampton looked at me, open-mouthed, in silence. He never was quick-witted. My excitement seemed to amuse his daughter.
"What is the matter with you, Mr. Benham?" She turned to her lover. "Charlie, do let me see this marvellous ring."
I renewed my appeal to her father.
"Crampton, by all that you hold dear, I entreat you not to allow your daughter to put that ring upon her finger."
Crampton assumed a judicial air--or what he intended for such.
"Since Benham appears to be so very much in earnest--though I confess that I don't know what there is about the ring to make a fuss for--perhaps, Lilian, by way of a compromise, you will give the ring to me."
"One moment, papa: I think that, as Charley says, it is too large for me."
I dashed forward. Mr. Sandys, mistaking my purpose, or, possibly, supposing I was mad, interposed; and, in doing so, killed the girl he was about to marry. Before I could do anything to prevent her, she had slipped the ring upon her finger. She held out her hand for us to see.
"It is too large for me--look."