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.