"
"I know perfectly 'how it is,'" she answered. "I never shall wear that
ring again."
"You won't even hear what I have to say? You won't take back your ring?"
he cried.
"Never! Your conduct is infamous!"
"Come to think of it," said Philip deliberately, "it is 'infamous' to
cut a girl, who has danced all her life, out of a few measures of a
waltz. As for asking forgiveness for so black a sin as picking up a
moth, and starting it to a friend who lives by collecting them, I don't
see how I could! I have not been gone three minutes by the clock, Edith.
Put on your ring and finish the dance like a dear girl."
He thrust the glittering ruby into her fingers and again held out his
arms. She dropped the ring, and it rolled some distance from them. Hart
Henderson followed its shining course, and caught it before it was lost.
"You really mean it?" demanded Philip in a voice as cold as hers ever
had been.
"You know I mean it!" cried Edith Carr.
"I accept your decision in the presence of these witnesses," said Philip
Ammon. "Where is my father?" The elder Ammon with a distressed face
hurried to him. "Father, take my place," said Philip. "Excuse me to my
guests. Ask all my friends to forgive me. I am going away for awhile."
He turned and walked from the pavilion. As he went Hart Henderson rushed
to Edith Carr and forced the ring into her fingers. "Edith, quick. Come,
quick!" he implored. "There's just time to catch him.
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