"You look so much like papa. You may kiss me if you like."
She turned her sallow cheek for the salute, and Victorine said:
"Is mademoiselle a relative? You are quite the image of Mr.
Laurance."
"Do you think so? Where can I find General Laurance? Does he reside here?"
"Oh no! He never has lived with us. Grandpapa was here this morning, but we were out in the park. Will you have some flowers? Your eyes just match my violets! So like papa's."
Regina gazed sorrowfully at the afflicted figure, and holding those thin, hot fingers in hers, she silently determined that if possible the impending blow should be warded off from this pitiable little sufferer.
"Did you come to see me?" queried Maud.
"No, I called to see your papa—on some business, and I am sorry he is absent. Before long I shall come and see you, and we will make bouquets and have a pleasant time. Good-bye, Maud."
Remembering that she was her half-sister, Regina lightly kissed the hollow cheek of the invalid.
"Good-bye. I shall ask papa where you got his eyes; for they are my papa's lovely eyes."