grandson to an Irish peer, and nephew to the existing Edward St.
Glear, 6th Earl of Erymanth. "And a very fashionable young man," he
went on, "distinguished in the sporting world."

"An excellent good fellow, with plenty of pluck," said Harold warmly.
"Is he not brother to the pretty little girl who was with you when we
came?"

I answered as briefly as I could; I did not want to talk of the
Tracys. My heart was very sore about them, and I was almost relieved
when Dora broke in with a grave accusing tone: "Harry, Eustace drank
a glass of wine, and I said I would tell you!"

"Eustace has no reason to prevent him," was Harold's quiet answer.

"And, really, I think, in my position, it is ridiculous, you see,"
Eustace began stammering, but was wearily cut short by Harold with,
"As you please."

Eustace could never be silent long, and broke forth again: "Harold,
your ring."

By way of answer Harold, with his available thumb and finger, showed
the ring for a moment from his waistcoat pocket. Instantly Dora
sprang at it, snatched it from his finger before he was aware, and
with all her might flung it into the river, for we were crossing the
bridge.

There was strength in that thumb and finger to give her a sharp
fierce shake, and the low voice that said "Dora" was like the lion's