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366 "How did you think I was going on?" demanded Edith Carr in frigid tones. "I thought you would step aside and wait a few seconds for me, or dance with Henderson. It was most important to have that moth. It just completes a valuable collection for a person who needs the money. Come!" He held out his arms. "I 'step aside' for no one!" stormed Edith Carr. "I await no other girl's pleasure! You may 'complete the collection' with that!" She drew her engagement ring from her finger and reached to place it in one of Philip's outstretched hands. Ammon saw and drew back. Instantly Edith dropped the ring. As it fell, almost instinctively Philip caught it in air. With amazed face he looked closely at Edith Carr. Her distorted features were scarcely recognizable. He held the ring toward her. "Edith, for the love of mercy, wait until I can explain," he begged. "Put on your ring and let me tell you how it is." "I know perfectly 'how it is,'" she answered. "I never will 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 Ammon 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