"It's very odd, but Leander has just found that ring that Prue gave you, and that you lost so unaccountably."
"Has he?" The young man closed his lips tightly for an instant. Then he laughed, and said, "In that case I must owe the boy fifty dollars. That's the reward I offered. I remember at the time I wanted to offer five hundred, but you told me, Caro, that the smaller sum would be just as effective."
Lawrence turned and walked across the veranda. Mrs. Ffolliott went into the house. The young man returned to Carolyn's side.
"It all seems a thousand years ago," he said. "I was wild—wild for her. I suppose I was somebody else; don't you think I was somebody else, Caro?"
"No. And it is not quite two years since then."
"How literal you are!"
"Am I?" she asked, smiling.
"Yes. And such a comfort to me. Caro, I'm going to kiss your hand."
He took both of the girl's hands, held them closely, then kissed them gently.
"I'm sorry you and Aunt Tishy seemed to think you must arrange so that I shouldn't see Prudence. It makes me appear such a weak fellow. Do you think I am a weak fellow, Caro?"