“I could live here forever,” she exclaimed, one morning, when nature was sparkling with diamond drops of dew, and singing her morning praises.
“Then stay forever,” said a voice, deep and musical, at her side. “Why not stay forever? for we should stay where we live the most,” said Basil, laying his hand on her head. “I suppose, however, the 'forever' meant, so long as your life here is replete with enjoyment, did it not?”
“Yes, I suppose that is our definition of 'forever,' and as it is a portion of it, we may properly call it thus.”
“Then see that you stay your 'forever,' and make us happy in so doing,” and his earnest eyes fastening their gaze on hers, told how dearly he loved to have her there.
The bell rang for breakfast, and the little party brought bright faces and fresh thoughts to the meal.
“Would you like to sail upon the pond, to-day?” inquired Miss Bernard of Dawn.
“Nothing better, if there are lilies we can gather.”
“There is a plenty, so we shall go. You will see my brother in a new phase to-day, Miss Wyman, for nothing calls forth the sweetness of his nature like sailing.”
“I should advise one to go often, if it had that effect,” said Dawn scarce daring to lift her eyes.
“I cannot afford to be exercised that way often,” he answered, looking, it seemed to her, almost stern.