Columbine," he said.

With the words he kissed her on the lips, kissed her closely, kissed her
lingeringly, and in that kiss her torn heart found its first balm of
healing.

* * *

"Well, what did I say?" crowed Adam a little later. "Didn't I tell you
if you left 'em alone he'd steer her safe into harbour? Wasn't I right,
missus? Wasn't I right?"

"I'm not gainsaying it," said Mrs. Peck, with a touch of severity. "And
I'm sure I hope as all will turn out for the best."

"Turn out for the best? Why, o' course it will!" said Adam, with cheery
confidence. "My son Rufus he may be slow, but he's no fool. And he's a
good man, too, missus, a long sight better than that curly-topped chap.
Him and me's partners, so I ought to know."

"To be sure you ought," said Mrs. Peck tolerantly. "And it's to be hoped
that Columbine knows it as well."

And in the solitude of her own room Columbine bent her dainty head and
kissed with reverence the little wild white roses that spoke to her of
the purity of a good man's love.