Chapter 56

"I see that you honour me by wearing my mascot. The magpie pearl most excellently becomes your beautiful hand, my dear!" They had reached Regents Park Square and were turning into the Broad Walk. She plucked the ring from her bare finger, and held it out to him, saying in a low tone: "Please take it back!" "I am to take it back? ... You are in earnest?" She repeated her words, holding out the bauble. He released his gloved left hand from the steering-wheel to take it. His eyes were on the road ahead and his fac…