"Hugh says that you are none of you even worth having for enemies," he said.
Gwennie looked hurt, and Ronnie to comfort her slipped his hand into hers.
A sad little smile came over her face as she said wistfully, unconscious of the exquisite sweetness of her words—
"No, Ronnie, p'raps not, but don't you think we might be worth having as 'friends?'"
This was a good idea, thought Ronnie, and very clever of Gwennie.
"I'll tell Hugh what you say, Gwennie," he said. Then he added, drawing out of his pocket a round, rosy apple, "I've been saving this for you—it's such a beauty."
"Thank you ever so much, Ronnie; don't forget to tell Hugh what I say. Now I must go, for nurse is calling me," and with these words away ran Gwennie in obedience to the summons.
Mrs. Rose, on the morning following the receipt of Reg's penitent letter, wrote in answer these few words, which were long treasured by the lad.
"DEAR REG,
"I forgive you from my heart as I would myself be forgiven by our loving Heavenly Father.
"Will you come and have tea with Elsie and me this afternoon? Miss Beaumont is superintending the dining-room tea, so we shall be quite by ourselves. Please come.
"Your affectionate
"AUNT LISA."
Mrs. Wilfrid herself shed secret tears over the short note, and came to the conclusion that after all, notwithstanding her poverty and lack of "long descent," there was a great deal in Elizabeth Rose, and from henceforth she decided to cultivate more of her society.