Man and Maid

"I think a fortnight is the quickest that everything can be settled

in.--Will you marry me on the seventh of November, Miss Sharp?"

"Yes."

"Do you care for the church ceremony, or will the one at the Consulate

do?"

"I should think that would be quite enough for us."

The ring cases were all lying upon the table by me--I pointed to them.

"I wonder if you would choose an engagement ring?" and I began opening

the lids. "It is customary, you know," I went on as she started

reluctantly. I intended to be firm with her in all the points where I

had rights.

"Don't you think it is a little ridiculous?" she asked. "A ring for a

mere business arrangement?"

I would not allow myself to be hurt, but I was conscious that I felt a

little angry.

"You would prefer not to choose a ring then? Very well, I will decide

for you," and I took up one really magnificent single stone diamond, set

as only Cartier can set stones.

"This is the last thing in modernity," and I handed it to her. "A hard

white diamond of egregious size, it cannot fail to be a reminder of our

hard business bargain, and I shall ask you to be good enough to wear

it."

I suppose she saw that I was not pleased, for she drew in her lips a

little, but she took the ring.

Her hands seemed very restless as she held it, they were certainly not

nearly so red as they formerly were.

"Am I to put it on now?"

"Please."

She did so, only she put it on her right third finger, her cheeks

growing pink.

"Why do you do that?" I asked.

"What?"

"Put the ring on the wrong hand."

She changed it reluctantly, then she burst out: "I suppose I ought to thank you for such a very splendid gift, but I

can't, because I would much rather not have it, please do let us keep to

business in every way, and please don't give me any more presents. I am

going to be just your secretary, with my wages commuted into some lump

sum, I suppose."

I felt more angry, and I think she saw it. I remained silent, which

forced her to speak.

"Do you intend that I shall live here, in the flat?"

"Of course. Will you please choose which of the two guest rooms you

would prefer, they both have bathrooms, and you will have the decoration

re-done as you wish."