You are right, Hope; although I didn't know it, you are the true Holy Flower that I saw." She ran to him and kneeling by his side, gave him her hand, which he pressed to his pale lips.
Then I sneaked out of that hut and left them to discuss the lost flower that was found again.

It was a pretty scene, and one that to my mind gave a sort of spiritual meaning to the whole of an otherwise rather insane quest.

He sought an ideal flower, he found--the love of his life.
After this, Stephen recovered rapidly, for such love is the best of medicines--if it be returned.
I don't know what passed between the pair and Brother John and his wife, for I never asked.

But I noted that from this day forward they began to treat him as a son.

The new relationship between Stephen and Hope seemed to be tacitly accepted without discussion.