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The little fire on the hearth and their belated dinner somewhat relieved the tension; but it was not until they had retired to a sedy of the evening became a possible topic of conversation Tyrrel opened the subject by a question as to whether "he ought to have gone with Dora to London"

"Dora opposed the idea strongly when I naive opportunities for Mostyn to slander both herself and you, and I think she was correct Every way she was best alone"

"Perhaps, but I feel as if I ought to have gone, as if I had been soentleentle"

"There is no need," answered Ethel a little coldly

"It is a terrible position for Mostyn"

"He deserves it"

"He is so sensitive about public opinion"

"In that case he should behave decently in private"

Then Tyrrel lit another cigar, and there was another silence, which Ethel occupied in irritating thoughts of Dora's unfortunate fatality in trouble- between herself and Tyrrel It held his s utensils, and after awhile she pushed thes which adorned her hand fall into the cleared space Tyrrel watched her a few , Ethel, my dear?"

She looked up with a smile, and then down at the hand she had laid open upon the table "I as See, Tyrrel, it is but a little band of gold, and yet it gave ems of earth could buy Rubies and opals and sapphires are only its guard The sireat price It is the loveliest ornament a happy woman can wear"

Tyrrel took her hand and kissed it, and kissed the golden band, and then answered, "Truly an ornament if a happy ears it; but oh, Ethel, what is it when it binds a woman to such misery as Dora has just fled from?"

"Then it is a fetter, and a wo of all Rings!" she ejaculated again, as she lifted the rubies and opals, and slowly but sold band

"Let us try now to forget that sorrooman," said Tyrrel "She will be with her riefs It never fails It never bla and waret; we can do no more"