"Yes--yes--certainly!" exclaimed Charley. "But one moment: I have something to say to you." "Mr Vining is mistaken," said Ella coldly; "he forgets that I am not a visitor or friend of the family. Pray allow me to return!" "Of course--yes!" said Charley. "But indeed I have something to say, Miss Bedford. Look here!" He drew the little gold cross from his pocket, and held it up in the soft twilight shed by the coloured lamps, when his companion uttered a cry of joy. "I have grieved so for its loss!" she exclaimed. "You found it?" "Yes; beneath that tree where you were taking refuge from the rain. I know it was my duty to have returned it sooner; but I wished to place it in your hands myself." "O, thank you--I am so grateful!" exclaimed Ella, hardly noticing the _empressement_ with which he spoke. "I wished, too," said Charley, speaking softly and deeply, "for some reward for what I have done." "Reward?" ejaculated Ella. "Surely, yes," said Charley, laying his hand upon the tiny glove resting upon his arm. "You would accord that to the poorest lout who had been the lucky finder." "Reward, Mr Vining?" stammered Ella. "Yes!" exclaimed Charley, his rich deep voice growing softer as he spoke. "And but for those words upon the reverse side, I would have kept the cross as an emblem of my hope. I, too, had a mother who is but a memory now. But you will grant me what I ask?" "Mr Vining," said Ella gravely, but unable to conceal her agitation, "will you kindly lead me back to the drawing-room?" "I thank you for restoring me the cross, which I had never hoped to see again." She held out her hand, and the little ornament was immediately placed within her palm. "You see," said Charley, "I trust to your honour. I am defenceless now, but you will give me my guerdon?" "Reward?" said Ella again. "Yes," said Charley eagerly; "I do not ask much. That rose that you have worn the evening through: give me that--I ask no more." "Mr Vining," said the agitated girl, "I am poor and friendless, and here as a dependent. I say thus much, since I believe you to be a gentleman. You would not wilfully injure me, I am sure; but this prolonged absence may give umbrage to my employers. Once more, pray lead me back!" Charley was moved by the appeal, and he turned on the instant. "But you will give me that simple flower?" he said. "Mr Vining," said Ella with dignity, "would you have me lose my self-respect? I thank you for the service--indeed I am most grateful-- but I cannot accede to your request." "I had hoped that I might be looked on as a friend," said Charley gloomily, as he once more arrested his companion's steps; "but there, I suppose if it had been--Pish! forgive me, pray!" he exclaimed. "How weak and contemptible I am! Miss Bedford, I am quite ashamed to have spoken so. But tell me that you forgive me, and--"