"Yes, for you, dear. Here, help me to get into my breast-pocket, Molly I have something to show you."
With a little struggling Hugh's pocket-book is at length extracted from his pocket, and after some fumbling among its contents he presently produces a little flat silver box of oriental-looking workmanship, which looks a good deal dented and a little bent.
"Open it," he says, and the girl, wondering a little, does so.
A faded white rose lies within it, a faint, sweet fragrance clinging to it still.
"My rose!" says Molly softly, her eyes filling with tears.
"_Mine_," returns Hugh gently, and taking it out of her hand he puts it away again carefully.
"Yes, if it had not been for this rose, Molly, I should not be sitting here beside you now. The bullet which would have been buried in my heart struck this (touching the box), and glanced aside. So you see, Molly, it was _you_ who saved my life!--a worthless one enough until you took me in hand, dear. Well, now I suppose we must go and join the others. What a start I shall give them!"
When they reach the lawn they find the Mr. Talboys have arrived with Daisy and Bobby; and when they have all got over their first astonishment at the sight of the haggard-looking personage walking by Molly's side, there is a general rush, and hearty congratulations are showered on Hugh by every one upon his safe arrival home again. Although nothing is actually said upon the subject, it is not difficult to guess at the true state of affairs when they glance from Hugh's speaking face to Molly, where she stands a little apart, with downcast eyes and heightened colour; and there is extra warmth thrown into the welcome to the returned wanderer on this account perhaps.
"But where is Daisy?--not ill, I hope;" and Hugh looks inquiringly towards Molly.
"O no," says Mrs. Merivale rising. "I am thankful to say that she is quite a little Samson to what she was formerly. But she and Bobby have been dining with the Mr. Talboys to-day, and Daisy seems a little done up with the heat. She complained of headache, so Honor insisted on her lying on the sofa in the drawing-room for a little while. I will take you to see her myself, Hugh;" and putting her arm within his they turn towards the house together.