“But Leo, why do you put the ring on the third finger before marriage?”

Leo answered, “Because I have read somewhere that many centuries ago the Egyptians believed that the third finger was especially warmed by a small artery that proceeded directly from the heart.  The Egyptians also believed that the third finger is the first that a new born babe is able to move, and the last finger over which the dying lose control.”

“Nonsense,” replied Rosie, “once the wedding ring, studded with precious stones, was worn on the forefinger; Christianity moved it to the third finger.  Its use was originated in this way:  the priest first put it on the thumb, saying ‘In the name of the Father’; on the forefinger, adding, ‘in the name of the Son;’ on the second finger, repeating, ’in the name of the Holy Ghost;’ and on the third finger, ending with ‘Amen,’ and there it staid.”

Abelard and Heloise were not happier in their unselfish affection than Leo and Rosie in their love.  Colors on Leo’s canvas now sought each other in magic harmony.  At single sittings in his studio Leo made Madonna faces, and glowing landscapes, that evoked words of warm praise from his fellow artists, who were blind to the secret of Leo’s remarkable power.

For a Christmas present Leo brought Rosie a picture of his own of Rosie’s beautiful hand holding lilies of the valley; and while she thanked him in sweetest words, he pinned at her throat a Florentine cameo once worn by his mother.  All these things, and more, came flashing into Leo’s mind as he struggled on the ship’s deck to keep his footing in the storm.

A week before the steamer left New York Leo and Rosie had quarreled.  Leo’s invitation to accompany the Harrises had come to him from Alfonso only three days before the “Majestic’s” departure, and such was his momentary ill-humor toward Rosie that he sailed from New York without even advising her of his new plan, or saying good-bye.  Leo, alone on the sea, often severely rebuked himself that he could have been so unkind to the woman to whom he had given his heart and his mother’s favorite bit of jewelry.

A thousand times he wished he could ask Rosie’s forgiveness, for it was in a fit of anger that Rosie had snatched the ruby ring off her hand and the cameo from her throat, and had thrown them into Leo’s lap saying, “Take them, Leo, you will easily find another girl to share your family name and your poverty as an artist while I have need of wealth.”  Leo had turned from Rosie’s home without the power to reply, he was so taken by surprise.

Leo was never so happy as when Rosie was present in his studio to encourage him by word or song, but now all was changed.