moment ere she could bring herself to such an act. Then with a
contemptuous--"Pshaw!" she arose and opening her jewel box took from a
private drawer a plain gold ring, bearing date nine years back, and
having inscribed upon it simply her name "Marie." This she brought to
Rosamond, saying, "I can't wear it now;--my hands are too thin and
bony, but it just fits you,--see--" and she placed it upon the third
finger of Rosamond's left hand!

Rosamond thanked her,--admired the chaste beauty of the ring and then
went on with her packing, while the wicked woman seated herself by the
window and leaning her head upon her hands tried to quiet the voice of
conscience which cried out against the deed she had done.

"It does not matter," she thought. "That tie was severed years ago,--
by his own act, too. The ring shall go. But will he see it! Men do not
always observe such things," and then lest he should not quaff the cup
of bitterness prepared for him, she wrote on a tiny sheet of gilt-
edged paper, "Look on Rosamond's third finger!"

This she carefully sealed and gave to Rosamond, bidding her hand it to
Mr. Browning, and saying in answer to her look of inquiry, "It is
about a little matter concerning yourself. He can show it to you, if
he thinks proper!"

"The omnibus, Miss, for the cars," cried a servant at the door, and
with a hurried good-bye to her friends, Rosamond departed and was soon
on her way to Riverside.