’I meant to have acknowledged it when I first came in this evening, sir.’

‘Not a business-like acknowledgment,’ returned Mr. Grewgious; ’however, let that pass.  Now, in that document you have observed a few words of kindly allusion to its being left to me to discharge a little trust, confided to me in conversation, at such time as I in my discretion may think best.’

‘Yes, sir.’

’Mr. Edwin, it came into my mind just now, when I was looking at the fire, that I could, in my discretion, acquit myself of that trust at no better time than the present.  Favour me with your attention, half a minute.’

He took a bunch of keys from his pocket, singled out by the candle-light the key he wanted, and then, with a candle in his hand, went to a bureau or escritoire, unlocked it, touched the spring of a little secret drawer, and took from it an ordinary ring-case made for a single ring.  With this in his hand, he returned to his chair.  As he held it up for the young man to see, his hand trembled.

’Mr. Edwin, this rose of diamonds and rubies delicately set in gold, was a ring belonging to Miss Rosa’s mother.  It was removed from her dead hand, in my presence, with such distracted grief as I hope it may never be my lot to contemplate again.  Hard man as I am, I am not hard enough for that.  See how bright these stones shine!’ opening the case.  ’And yet the eyes that were so much brighter, and that so often looked upon them with a light and a proud heart, have been ashes among ashes, and dust among dust, some years!  If I had any imagination (which it is needless to say I have not), I might imagine that the lasting beauty of these stones was almost cruel.’

He closed the case again as he spoke.

’This ring was given to the young lady who was drowned so early in her beautiful and happy career, by her husband, when they first plighted their faith to one another.  It was he who removed it from her unconscious hand, and it was he who, when his death drew very near, placed it in mine.  The trust in which I received it, was, that, you and Miss Rosa growing to manhood and womanhood, and your betrothal prospering and coming to maturity, I should give it to you to place upon her finger.  Failing those desired results, it was to remain in my possession.’

Some trouble was in the young man’s face, and some indecision was in the action of his hand, as Mr. Grewgious, looking steadfastly at him, gave him the ring.

‘Your placing it on her finger,’ said Mr. Grewgious, ’will be the solemn seal upon your strict fidelity to the living and the dead.  You are going to her, to make the last irrevocable preparations for your marriage.  Take it with you.’

The young man took the little case, and placed it in his breast.

’If anything should be amiss, if anything should be even slightly wrong, between you; if you should have any secret consciousness that you are committing yourself to this step for no higher reason than because you have long been accustomed to look forward to it; then,’ said Mr. Grewgious, ’I charge you once more, by the living and by the dead, to bring that ring back to me!’