it would be useful to you and ease my mind about your welfare."

"But Shelley and I don't go bar hopping at night. We know better than that."

"That's not the point. And crimes against women don't always happen at night anyway."

"Is it expensive to take these classes?"

"No, they're almost free. You only pay a couple bucks for the rental of the meeting hall."

"When do they start?"

"Next Monday. Two a week for two weeks. And further lessons in self-defense if it interests you two." He reached into a pocket inside his suit coat and handed her a sheet of paper. "This is all the information. It would really ease my mind if you knew more about protecting yourselves when you're out and about."

"I'll show this to Shelley,"Jane said, perusing the items on the list. "It meets during the day, I'm glad to say."

"She does night classes, too. For women who can't get off work in the daytime. I'm glad you're considering this."

"I'm sure it will be interesting to both of us,"Jane said. She folded the paper and tucked it into her purse. She'd noticed that the waiter was hovering.

Stuffed to the brim with rolls, salad, and dinner, they strolled out and got into Mel's car. As he approached her house, Jane said, "Could we stop for a few minutes at that little park down the block before you drop me off?"

He glanced at her, wondering why she wanted to do this, but did as she asked. When he turned the ignitionoff, Jane said, "Do you just happen to have kept that engagement ring you tried to give me long ago?" Mel grinned. "I did. Do you want it back?"

"Yes. It's time. Past time, in fact."

"It's in my safety-deposit box. I'll bring it over tomorrow. Janey, are you sure you want it?"