Page:The Star in the Window.pdf/171

Rh "Oh, it doesn't matter," interrupted Reba, "which hand you wear it on, I guess. Try it on."

Very cautiously Nathan drew forth the ring, slipped it over the third finger of his right hand (the nail of even that was broken) and sheepishly glanced up at Reba when, half-way down, the gold circle stuck fast. It wouldn't pass the second joint of even his little finger! There was a moment of rueful silence.

"Oh well, then," exclaimed Reba, "give the silly thing back to me, then. It's no use as it is. It was foolish anyway to get it, I guess."

But Nathan did not give it back. He placed it in its little white velvet nest, and slipped it—box and all—into an inner pocket somewhere.

"If you wouldn't object," he said, "I'd like to wear it on a ribbon around my neck, like you're going to wear mine." He paused a second. "Right next to me," he added in an undertone.

"Oh, all right, all right," Reba replied hastily. "I don't care, I'm sure," and she stood up, blushing a little.

"Were you going now?"

"Why, yes," Reba said, avoiding his disturbing eyes, "I was. It's getting late, and I've got to change my dress."

"I don't suppose," he went on, gazing up at her, for it had not occurred to him to rise too, "I don't suppose you could just sit down, and take off your pretty hat a minute, could you?"

Reba looked surprised. It was such a curious thing to ask!

"I think it's very pretty—your hat, I mean, all gray to match everything—but I thought, if you'd just take