"So you do not care for me, Flower? Then it is a pity I ever saw you. I wish that I had given my heart to your sister; then my love might have been appreciated," the young man sighed, dejectedly; and his sorrow went to her tender heart. Very timidly she laid her hand on his arm.
"I do care for you," she said, in flute-like tones, through which ran a tremor of deep tenderness. "But, ah, my poor sister! I am so sorry for her disappointment!"
"She will soon get over it," he said, drawing her to his breast and kissing the lovely, tremulous lips.
"Do you think so?" she whispered, anxiously.
"Certainly, my darling. I dare say she has got over it already, since she forced me so coolly to make choice between you two. She will be ready to laugh with you to-night at the thought of your being actually engaged to be married."
"If I thought so I would say 'yes' at once; but I am almost afraid. Fancy one's sister being in love with one's husband!" Flower said, doubtfully and distressedly.
He laughed at her fears.
"Nonsense! Jewel has too much good sense to go on caring for me now. Her fancy will soon blow over," he said; and then he clasped and kissed her again with a passionate fervor.
"I shall call on your mother to-morrow," he said.
"And in the meantime, darling, wear this ring to remind you that you belong to Laurie."