that troubles me now, even more than leaving my father."

Mrs. Costello smiled faintly.

"You do me justice," she said, "but I will alter your sentence a little
for you, and say that you leave as much of your heart in my house as in
your father's. I believe that; I am almost sorry now to believe it."

"Why should you be sorry? Do you think that there is no chance that in
time things may be more hopeful for me than they are at present?"

"More hopeful for both our wishes, you might say; but, Maurice, my
day-dreams of many years past may have to be given up with my dear
little home."

"Do not say so, if, indeed, your wishes are the same as mine. I have
faith in time and patience."

"Do not let us say more on the subject--it is too tempting. I, too, must
try to have faith in time."

"And you will write to me regularly?"

"As long as I am here."

"And remember that I am not to be shaken off. I belong to you; and you
are never to trust anybody else to do a thing for you which I could have
done. You will promise me that, won't you?"

"My dear boy, don't make me regret your going more than I should do. In