Agnes considered this for some time before she answered, “Yes, I think that is not too much to promise, for we are then both free to do as we choose, and if it makes you any happier for me to say it, Archie, I will say it.”
Archie’s face brightened. “My dear lassie, you do not know what dreams I shall have of this last evening.”
Agnes shook her head. “You will always be dreaming, Archie, of one thing or another.”
He smiled and took her hands in his again. “Will you take the half of a broken sixpence, Agnes, as a token?”
“It is what they do in story-books, isn’t it?”
“Yes, and it is a sign between lovers.”
“And are we lovers?” Agnes asked the question most innocently, and Archie gave a little sigh.
“We will be lovers when I see you again,” he replied. “And will you write to me sometimes, Agnes, and will you keep the half sixpence? I have it here.” He produced the bits of broken coin from his leathern pouch and gave her one of the pieces.
“I will keep it.”
“And you will not forget your promise? Say it again, Agnes.”