Do not become too eager to pluck it from its parent stem, I must have my dear girl with me for at least one winter.

In the spring she shall be yours.' "'Oh, no! Mr.Ballantine,' I said in alarm.

'You are not going to rob me of her for so long a time ?' I spoke with warmth.
"'Rob you of her!' ejaculated the father, in seeming half indignation.

'You are unreasonable and very selfish, my dear boy! Here you have had her for five years, and after a little while are to have her for life, and yet are unwilling to give me even the boon of a few short months with my own child.

You are not generous!' "I felt the rebuke, and confessed that I had been moved by too selfish feelings.
"'If you think the time long,' he added, 'all you have to do is to take a packet and come round--we shall welcome you with joy.' "'That I shall no doubt be compelled to do, for I will not be able to exist for five or six long months away from Eugenia.' "'So I should suppose.