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"Take this, Nat," she said, so coldly that for once his rage was

checked. He looked stupidly at the glittering emblem of her love,

and suddenly became aware of the extent to which he had driven

her. The reaction was as swift as the rage.

"Please, Nellie dear," he begged, "don't do that! Take it back.

Forgive me. Everything has piled up so to-day that I lost my

temper. Please don't do that!"

But he had gone too far. He had shown her a new side to his

character.

"No, Nat," she said calmly, but still with that icy inflection of

disdain; "this has gone too far. Take this ring. Some time, when

you have made amends for this afternoon, I may see you again."

"I won't take it," he replied doggedly. "Please, Nellie,

forgive--"

"Take it," she flashed, "or I will throw it into the ocean!"