I deserve no mercy, no consideration at your hands.

But--I must return your ring--" She slipped it from her finger, laid it on the table, placed the chain and locket beside it.
She said, wistfully: "I dare not hope to retain your esteem--I dare not say to you how much I really desire your forgiveness--your friendship----" Suddenly he turned on her a face, red, distorted, with rage.
"Do you know what this means to me?
It means ridicule in my regiment! What kind of figure do you think I shall cut after this?
It's--it's a shame!--it's vile usage.

I'll appear absurd--_absurd_! Do you understand ?" Shocked, she stared into his inflamed visage, which anger and tortured vanity had marred past all belief.
"Is _that_ why you care ?" she asked slowly.
"Ailsa! Good God--I scarcely know what I'm saying----" "I know." She stepped back, eyes darkening to deepest violet--retreated, facing him, step by step to the doorway, through it; and left him standing there..