It was a silk handkerchief of the prettiest colours they could pick out of the shop, intended for her to wear round her neck.

Each tried to persuade the other to give it to her, for each was shy of the act of presentation.

Coulson was, however, the most resolute; and when she returned from the parlour the little parcel was in Philip's hands.
'Here, Hester,' said he, going round the counter to her, just as she was leaving the shop.

'It's from Coulson and me; a handkerchief for yo' to wear; and we wish yo' a happy New Year, and plenty on 'em; and there's many a one wishes the same.' He took her hand as he said this.

She went a little paler, and her eyes brightened as though they would fill with tears as they met his; she could not have helped it, do what she would.