I pass right straight on froo de hall—nebber even look t'ward Mr. Steve."
"You can go," was the stern command.
"Yassum!" Maggie half whispered, backing out the door, her eyes travelling quickly from Steve to her mistress.
"As my affianced bride," he went on firmly, "I cannot afford to have yau receive the man who is my bitterest enemy."
With a smile, Stella quickly but quietly removed the ring from her hand and gave it to Steve, who stood for a moment paralysed with astonishment.
"Stella!" he gasped.
"The burden of your affanced bride is too heavy for my young shoulders."
"Forgive me dear!" he pleaded.
"I prefer to receive whom I please, when and where I please, without consulting you. When I need a master to order my daily conduct, I'll let you know.
"But, Stella, dear!"
"Miss Butler—if you please!"
"I—I only meant to tell you that I love you desperately, that I'm jealous and ask you not to torture me—you cannot mean this, dear?"
"How dare you address me in that manner again!" she cried, flaming with anger, the tense little figure drawn to its full height.
