“I am not fond of writing letters, dear, but I will try not to neglect you while you are gone. If they are very short, you must not mind, because I am so busy.”
“Busy!” he echoed, with slight sarcasm, and she flushed slightly, exclaiming:
“Why will you take one up so? You know the demands of a social life are very pressing. But I dare say I shall not enjoy myself at all now, I shall be missing you so much,” her voice breaking and tears actually brimming over in her eyes.
Florian caught her in his fond arms and kissed them away. Then they had such a sad leave-taking that the emotional girl allowed her betrothed to persuade her to name the wedding-day as soon as he should return from abroad.
CHAPTER III.
THE MOTH AND THE STAR.
Florian, hurrying away with sad heart and dejected mien from the parting with Viola, stopped short at meeting Professor Desha strolling leisurely toward him. He stared at him in surprise, exclaiming:
“Well met, my friend, for I was going home to send you a message.”
“A message?”
“Yes—that I can not go on with the portrait just now. I am called most unexpectedly abroad.”