"Oh, Mr. Valchester, I want you to promise me one thing!" she exclaimed.
He looked at her in some surprise.
"What can it be?" he inquired, rather gravely.
"Only this," she said, "that you will write to Walter every week while you are gone, and describe all the beauties of art and nature which you encounter in your travels. I do so love Italy, and long to see it, and if you describe it in your letters, graphically, as I know you will do, it will be almost like seeing it myself, for I will insist on reading all Walter's letters."
"I did not know you were so fond of the beauties of nature, Miss Earle," he replied in some surprise, and the color rose in her fair cheeks.
"I am very fond of nature," she replied, "but you have not promised me yet that you will write to my brother as I said."
"Of course I shall write to Walter," he said, "but I cannot promise that my letters will be very interesting. Perhaps you would prefer to hear me describe my travels when I return."
"Oh, yes, that would be delightful!" Violet cried, all smiles and pleasure. "So then you promise me to come to Laurel Hill when you return, and describe Italy to me?"
"Oh, yes, I will come," he replied, carelessly. "But I dare say you will be married and gone to a home of your own before that time."
"Oh! no indeed!" she cried out quickly. "If you stay ten years you will find me at Laurel Hill when you return."