– I beg your pardon, father, did you call for me? – The girl asked quietly, not understanding why her father would send for her while he was receiving visitors. And who was this blond handsome man? She seemed to have seen him before, but where and when? His face seemed so familiar, and his blue eyes so dear! But she could not remember, nor did she wish to.
– Have you given your father notice of your return, sir? – Sir Guise asked his guest, as if he had not heard Brigid's voice.
– Not yet, sir. My heart demanded an answer, and the first thing I did was to rush to you," he said, not taking his eyes off Miss Guise's beauty, and that intense, passionate gaze made the girl blush and her mind fill with hundreds of questions that she did not dare to ask aloud.
– Oh, even so? – Mr. Guise laughed cordially, but Brigid, who knew her father, immediately recognised the falsity in his laugh. – But, sir, before embarking on such an important and responsible path, you need your parents' permission!
– My father would be delighted, as would my mother," the stranger smiled warmly, not even thinking of taking his eyes off Brigid Guise, the Flaming Rose.
– Father, I apologise… I don't understand what's happening," the girl turned to the smiling Sir Guise in a whisper.
– 'My good, naive daughter! – Sir Guise affectionately touched the girl on the shoulder. – Don't you recognise our guest?
– You seem familiar to me, sir, but I do not remember…" Brigid began, turning her gaze to the guest.
– It is five years since we last saw each other, my dear miss, and you must have forgotten me. But I have not forgotten you. For years, your beautiful face has stood before my eyes, and my ears have been filled with your marvellous singing," interrupted the stranger, and gave her a deep bow. – I am still the same Philip, the older brother of your best friend Alienor.
Brigid's eyes widened in surprise: of course it was him! How could she not recognise those white curls and sky-blue eyes? Philip! He and Alienor looked so much alike, as if God had given them the same appearance for two!
"What a man he has become! No longer that clumsy young man teaching me archery, but a manly and handsome man! He's back! How glad Lady and Sir Norton will be at his return! And Alienor? She has waited for him so long, cherished and reread his letters with such tenderness!" – A happy smile lit up the girl's face, and Philip Norton almost gasped at her beauty.
– Alienor will be so glad… So happy! – Brigid exclaimed, pressing her palms to her breast.
– And are you pleased, Miss Guise? – Philip asked in an ingratiating tone.
– Of course, sir, I'm very glad you're back, too," she answered timidly.
– Well, that's fine! Why delay when two hearts are drawn to each other with such inevitable force? – Brigid's father said in a cheerful manner. His face shone with pleasure. – We'll have the wedding next week!
