the pure,
innocent, and trusting love of a sister.

"Gerald, my dear, I am glad this opportunity has been so timely chosen,"
said the fond sister in an earnest tone, placing her delicate little
hand upon her brother's shoulder.

"Pray, what has happened, Maude, that you look so sad?" said Gerald,
breaking out into a hearty laugh.

"Nothing has happened," answered Maude; "really, if I look sad I do most
wrongfully disavow my intention, having news for you--good news, too, I
assure you," said Maude, again looking at her brother wistfully. "Can
you not guess?" said she.

"How should I?" returned Gerald; "that would be a fruitless task."

"Since you have exercised such patience I will tell you," said Maude: "I
have just received a letter from Rosamond."

A blush quickly overspread Gerald's face as he bowed acknowledgment.

Maude did not produce the letter which had been the cause of such
annoyance to Lady Bereford, but she disclosed part of the contents and
part she kept for herself. Together they talked long and earnestly.
Though she took no liberty in showing the relationship in which she
considered Lady Rosamond, her simple and earnest nature seemed to give
assurance to Gerald. He listened to his sister's repeated praise of her
companion--of their girlish attachment--and heartily hoped that Lady
Rosamond would return the deep love which he had unreservedly placed at
her disposal--his heart, name, riches--all were given the absent and
beautiful maiden.

Musing awhile, Gerald was aroused by his sister, who almost petulantly
exclaimed:

"Oh, Gerald, I do wish that Rosamond was home again, never to leave us.
Two years separation seems a long time in the future. I grow so
impatient. Do you know, Gerald," added Maude, with a bright eagerness,
"I am going to write and urge her to shorten this lengthy probation. I
cannot endure the thought. _Two years!_" repeated she, a second time,
with strong emphasis.

"But you must remember the fable of the boys and the frogs," said
Gerald, with an amused smile.

This remark reminded Maude of the sentiments of her mother, but she
would not repeat them in the presence of her brother. She did not wish
to cherish or countenance anything that would be disloyal to Lady
Rosamond. In her sincerity she would not believe any views relating to
her friend unless they received her direct sanction.

Gerald Bereford had misgivings regarding his hopes, but trusted that
time and the favor o