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"Mother says she learned things about you that she never had

imagined before," persisted Nellie, with quiet insistence. But

again Nat did not seem to have heard her. With an awkward motion

he drew from his pocket the little glazed paper box that

contained the engagement-ring.

"Please," he said, "I want you to take this again." He was in

earnest.

"It's strange Elsa Mallaby should be able to tell mother things

about you."

Nat lost his patience. He had tried his best to make peace, and

the girl was only baiting him for her own amusement.

"What the deuce is all this about that Mallaby woman?" he asked.

"I should think you'd listen to me, Nellie."

"If you will listen to me first, then I'll listen to you as long

as you like."

"I agree," he said, thrusting the ring-box back into his pocket,

"only make it short, will you, little girl?"