I did so,
and thinking little of such matters at the moment, turned by habit into
the doorway of the sitting-room which I knew so well, lifting my feet
to avoid stumbling on its step, and passing into the room found my way
through the gloom to the wide fireplace where I took my stand. Lily
watched me enter, then following me, she lit a taper at the fire which
smouldered on the hearth, and placed it upon the table in the window in
such fashion that though I was now obliged to take off my hat, my face
was still in shadow.
'Now, sir, your token if it pleases you.'
Then I drew the posy ring from my finger and gave it to her, and she sat
down by the table and examined it in the light of the candle, and as
she sat thus, I saw how beautiful she was still, and how little time had
touched her, except for the sadness of her face, though now she had seen
eight-and-thirty winters. I saw also that though she kept control of her
features as she looked upon the ring, her breast heaved quickly and her
hand shook.
'The token is a true one,' she said at length. 'I know the ring, though
it is somewhat worn since last I saw it, it was my mother's; and many
years ago I gave it as a love gage to a youth to whom I promised myself
in marriage. Doubtless all your tale is true also, sir, and I thank you
for your courtesy in bringing it so far.
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