"That's what I'm doing, Dian."
The tone of his voice startled her with its intensity; she drew away from him, half frightened.
"Here, Charlie, take your ring; I do not want to wear it."
But with instant comprehension of his rashness, the young man said with a light laugh:
"Oh, pshaw, Dian! Oblige me by wearing my ring until I find the girl I am to marry. Then I will come to you for it."
Pacified, the girl pushed the ring back on her finger, and then at once turned into the gate, saying as she did so:
"I shall not forget you nor any of the boys in my prayers, Charlie. Goodnight and goodby."
And the young man was fain to be content with this general parting wish.
XIV.
"TO YOUR TENTS, O ISRAEL."