It is a plain circlet of thick gold, somewhat worn now, a posy-ring, and on its inner surface is cut this quaint couplet: Heart to heart, Though far apart.
A fitting motto for us indeed, and one that has its meaning to this hour.
That same day of our farewell I rode with my father to Yarmouth.

My brother Geoffrey did not come with us, but we parted with kindly words, and of this I am glad, for we never saw each other again.

No more was said between us as to Lily Bozard and our wooing of her, though I knew well enough that so soon as my back was turned he would try to take my place at her side, as indeed happened.

I forgive it to him; in truth I cannot blame him much, for what man is there that would not have desired to wed Lily who knew her?
Once we were dear friends, Geoffrey and I, but when we ripened towards manhood, our love of Lily came between us, and we grew more and more apart.

It is a common case enough.