"I have it still."
"Truly?" A little throb of pleasure shot through her and crept into her voice. "And you never told me!"
"I was to keep it as security. That was the bargain."
"But how much nicer it would be to say that you kept it because I gave it to you. Are you aware that I made an exception in your favour by doing so?"
"I thought so at the time," said Casey. "I expected a refusal. However, I took a chance."
"And won. Are you sure that you have the rose still? And where among your treasures do you keep it?"
He hesitated.
"You don't know where it is! That's just like a man. For shame!"
"You're wrong," Casey said quietly. "I keep it with some little things that belonged to my mother."
She put out her hand impulsively. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "I—I beg your pardon!"