“We'll not argue about it; we will wait and see. Look, I have brought you something,” he added, taking a tiny velvet case from his breast-pocket. “It is not an engagement-ring, do not be afraid,” he said, as she seemed troubled; “it is only a souvenir, and I want you to promise me to wear it for one year, till I see you again. After that, you shall do as you like about keeping it. You know what a rosary-ring is?” he asked, as he showed her the broad yellow band notched by tiny bubbles of gold. “And here is the cross laid upon it, and the cross is of pearls, the emblem of innocence. You read what is inside now.”
She took it and read the device on the interior rim: “Crux per amore; Amor per cruce.”
“The cross through love; Love through the cross,” he explained.
She replied by kissing the ring and handing it to him, as she said:
“Put it on my finger, Henry, and only you or God himself shall ever draw it off.”
“You do not mean—”
“Hush! how can you question him? But I fear he will not call me in that way. Who knows, perhaps we shall meet next year? I leave my father to God and you.”
The old nun came back from the window.
“My child, I am afraid I cannot stay any longer,” she said.
The girl rose, and took Henry's hand in both her own.