Edward, and the ring dropped on the carpet in the sight of several of the party, whose eyes led his to the brilliant which lay close to his foot.
"Georgiana! Georgiana! you have lost your ring," said the baronet: "I could know it from a thousand."
"Lost her ring!" cried Mrs. Margaret, in superstitious alarm, which words were bandied from tongue to tongue, though several observed "It was not dropped by Georgiana, it fell from Lady Anne's glove." But the old gentleman being not quick of hearing, and very desirous of doing away with the painful impression made by his sister's explanation, called to Georgiana, who was near the door, whispering with Mrs. Margaret.
"Come here, come here, naughty child, and take your wedding ring from his hand who gave it to you, and be more careful another time."
"Don't scold me, dear Sir Edward; it was mamma who wore it, and her fingers are grown thin; her own rings have all a little silk pad, but this being mine, was not properly prepared."
Lady Anne held out her hand in confirmation, but she did not speak, for the Count's eyes absolutely transfixed her, and as Mrs. Margaret was observing, "that she had at home the identical, light, silver chain, with which it was fastened to the wrist of their female ancestor, who was a great
