colony was not an easy matter for my brother
with his delicate wife and four children. Marjory was older than you, so
of course more able to help with the boys, and knowing that his expenses
would be very heavy and his means small, I offered to adopt you; for
your sake, more than other considerations, I think, my offer was
accepted. Since Marjory's death your mother has practically been alone,
for servants are scarce and very expensive. Now, poor soul, her
strength is at an end; she has developed an illness that involves the
greatest care and rest. You see, darling, that this is no case for
hesitation. The call comes to you, and you must answer and do your duty
faithfully."

The girl buried her face in the sofa cushions, her hat lay on the floor.

"I hate children--especially boys," she said sullenly when she spoke.
"Surely in eight years a doctor ought to be able to make enough to pay a
housekeeper, if his wife can't look after his house."

"You don't understand how hard life is sometimes, or I think you would
be readier to take up part of a burden that is dragging down a good and
brave man."

"To live in an uncivilised country, where probably the people won't
speak my own language----"

"Don't betray such absurd ignorance, Eva," replied Mrs. Trevor; "you
must know that New Zealand is a British colony, inhabited mainly by our
own people, who are as well educated and as well mannered as ourselves."

"And just when I was getting on so well with my singing! Mr. James said
my voice would soon fill a concert hall, and all my hopes of writing and
becoming a known author--everything dashed to the ground--every longing
nipped in the bud! Oh! it is cruel, cruel!"

"I knew, dear child, that the blow would be severe; don't imagine that
it will be easy for me to give you up. But knowing what lies before us,
the thing to do is to prize every hour we are together, and then with
courage go forward to meet the unknown future. The boys are growing
up----"

"Hobbledehoys, you may be sure."

Mrs. Trevor smiled, but said nothing. "And in addition to them, there is
the baby sister you have never seen."

"And never wish to," added Eva ungraciously.

"We shall have much to think of, and when once you have become used to
the idea, I should strongly advise you to settle to some practical work
that will help when you are forced to depend on yourself."

Eva did not reply. Mentally she was protesting or blankly refusing to
give up