“I will be ready for them, thorns and all,” he laughed. “But there are no thorns on these roses,” taking from his pocket four small jewel-cases of bright blue leather.
The children opened them eagerly. Polly’s and Leonora’s contained gold rings exactly alike and of exquisite workmanship, a little rose spray encircling the top, and in the heart of the open flower a tiny spark of dew. The boys’ scarf-pins were of similar design, being headed by a miniature full-blown rose.
“I can never thank you enough for all the beautiful things you give me,” purred Polly, caressing the ring on her finger.
“But think what you have done for me!” exclaimed the Colonel. “You have let me into the secret of the rose and the thorn.”
THE END
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