"Dearest, I know now why you are not wearing my mother's ring," said Gale, steadily and low-voiced.
"Dick, I am not worthy," she replied, and held out a trembling hand with the ring lying in the palm.
Swift as light Gale caught her hand and slipped the ring back upon the third finger.
"Nell! Look at me. It is your engagement ring.... Listen. I don't believe this—this thing that's been torturing you. I know it's a lie. I am absolutely sure your mother will prove it a lie. She must have suffered once—perhaps there was a sad error—but the thing you fear is not true. But, hear me, dearest; even if it was true it wouldn't make the slightest difference to me. I'd promise you on my honor I'd never think of it again. I'd love you all the more because you'd suffered. I want you all the more to be my wife—to let me make you forget—to—"
She rose swiftly with the passionate abandon of a woman stirred to her depths, and she kissed him.
"Oh, Dick, you're good—so good! You'll never know—just what those words mean to me. They've saved me—I think."
"Then, dearest, it's all right?" Dick questioned, eagerly. "You will keep your promise? You will marry me?"
The glow, the light faded out of her face, and now the blue eyes were almost black. She drooped and shook her head.
"Nell!" exclaimed Gale, sharply catching his breath.
"Don't ask me, Dick. I—I won't marry you."