No one ever did that before , and I like it . '' Amy glanced at her hand as she spoke , and stood staring as if struck dumb , for there on her forefinger shone a ring she had never seen before . `` Look ! look ! mine is gone , and this in its place ! Oh , Nell , what shall I do ? '' she said , looking half frightened , half pleased . Helen examined the ring and shook her head , for it was far more valuable than the little pearl one which it replaced . Two tiny hands of finest gold were linked together about a diamond of great brilliancy ; and on the inside appeared again the initials , `` S.P. '' `` How did it happen ? '' she asked , rather sternly . `` Upon my word , I do n't know , unless he put it on while I was stupidly fainting . Rude man , to take advantage of me so . But , Nell , it is splendid , and what shall I do about it ? '' `` Tell uncle , find out the man and send back his things . It really is absurd , the manner in which German boys behave ; '' and Helen frowned , though she was strongly tempted to laugh at the whole thing . `` He was neither a German nor a boy , but an English gentleman , I 'm sure , '' began Amy , rather offended . `` But 'S . P. ' is a baron , you know , unless there are two Richmonds in the field , '' broke in Helen . `` I forgot that ; never mind , it deepens the mystery ; and after this performance , I 'm prepared for any enormity . It 's my fate ; I submit . ''
said XXXXX , tragically , as she waved her hand to and fro , pleased with the flash of the ring .
Amy English German Helen Nell Richmonds S.P. brilliancy gold mind