speaking. He always talked of the book as by a friend of his;
and you never let him suspect that you had pierced his
subterfuge."

Beatrice frowned for an instant, putting this consideration in
its place, in her troubled mind. Then suddenly a light of
intense, of immense relief broke in her face.

"Thank goodness!" she sighed. "I had forgotten. No, he does
n't dream that. But oh, the fright I had!"

"He'll tell you, all the same," said Mrs. O'Donovan Florence.

"No, he'll never tell me now. I am forewarned, forearmed. I
'll give him no chance," Beatrice answered.

"Yes; and what's more, you'll marry him," said her friend.

"Kate! Don't descend to imbecilities," cried Beatrice.

"You'll marry him," reiterated Mrs. O'Donovan Florence, calmly.
"You'll end by marrying him--if you're human; and I've seldom
known a human being who was more so. It's not in flesh and
blood to remain unmoved by a tribute such as that man has paid
you. The first thing you'll do will be to re-read the novel.
Otherwise, I'd request the loan of it myself, for I 'm
naturally curious to compare the wrought ring with the virgin
gold--but I know it's the wrought ring the virgin gold will
itself be wanting, directly it's alone. And then the poison
will work. And you'll end by marrying him."