Paul Ralston by Mary Jane Holmes

After the disease left her, if there had been any disease, Elithe's recovery was rapid. Of her illness she remembered nothing, except a feeling that she was having a delicious rest and a dream of Mr. Pennington and the diamond ring. Where was her dress and the box, she wondered, and was about to inquire, when, as if guessing her thoughts, her aunt said to her, "I've washed your things, dress and all. There was a box in the pocket. I don't know what was in it, if anything, but I put it in your trunk."

At first Elithe thought to tell her aunt about the ring and ask her what to do with it. Her father had written that Mr. Pennington had again left Samona and it was uncertain when he would return. She could not send the ring direct to him, and she decided that her better way was to keep it until she went home, and then give it to her father, who would return it to Mr. Pennington. With her aunt she did not feel quite at ease, but the acquaintance progressed rapidly during the days of convalescence, when she sat in the large easy chair in the pleasant front room, looking out upon the sea and the passers-by. Every day Paul Ralston came in for a few moments, and Elithe found herself looking forward to his coming with a good deal of interest. Clarice had not called, nor did she intend to. Paul had given her Miss Hansford's message, and several times had suggested going with her after Elithe was able to see people, but she always had some reason for not going, and at last said pettishly, "Don't bother me any more, please. The fact is, I am not specially interested in Miss Hansford or her niece, and I have more acquaintances now than I can do justice to."