didn't ask you for your company, Mr. Walters," she said, sharply,
"so you can take yourself off as soon as you like."

She turned and walked off in the opposite direction, and Mr. Walters,
after a moment's hesitation, turned and followed. They walked in this
fashion for some distance; then the boatswain, quickening his pace,
caught her roughly by the arm.

"I want to show you something," he growled.

Miss Jelks eyed him disdainfully.

"In 'ere," said the other, pointing to the same jeweller's window that
had been the cause of so much discomfort to Captain Trimblett.

"Well?" said the girl, her eyes sparkling.

For answer the gentle swain took her by the elbows and propelled her
into the shop, and approaching the counter gazed disagreeably at the
shopman.

"I want a ring for this young lady," he said, reddening despite himself.
"A good 'un--one o' the best."

The man turned to the window and, after a little careful groping,
unhooked a velvet card studded with rings. Rosa's eyes shone, but she
drew off her glove with a fine show of unwillingness at the boatswain's
command.

"Try that on," he said, pointing to a ring.

Miss Jelks placed it on the third finger of her left hand, and holding
it up to the light gazed at it entranced.

"'Ow much?" said the boatswain, jerking his head.

"That's a very nice ring," said the assistant.

"Twenty--" he referred to a tiny label on the card, "twenty-five
pounds."

The boatswain's jaw dropped, and both listeners made noble efforts to
appear unconscious that his breathing was anything out of the ordinary.

"Take it off," he said, as soon as he could speak; "take it off at
once."

"It's too large," said Rosa, with a sigh.

She drew it off, and, turning to a case the jeweller placed before her,
tried on several more. Suited at last, she held up her hand with the
ring on it for Mr. Walters's inspection.

"It fits beautifully," she said, softly, as the boatswain scratched the
back of his neck.

"A very nice ring, that," said the assistant. "A queen might wear it."

"Take it off," cried Mr. Walters, hastily.

"Seventeen shillings and sixpence," said the jeweller, almost as
quickly.

"I like it better than the other," said Rosa.

"It is better," said the boatswain, in a relieved voice.

He counted out the money and, turning a deaf but blushing ear to
the jeweller's glowing description of his wedding-rings, led the way
outside. Rosa took his arm and leaned on it