Even Valerie doesn't matter....

But you may hand me one of her roses....

No, a bud, if you don't mind--unopened." When it was time for Neville to go Querida's smile had faded and the pink rose-bud lay wilted in his fingers.
"It is just as well, Neville," he said.

"I couldn't have endured your advent.

Somebody _has_ to be first; I was--as long as I lived....