necessary and becoming business of our lives? In short, am I never to hear
a real love note?"

"Margaret, I have a sister. You know something of the depth of my
affection for her. When I meet her in New York to-morrow or next day, if I
should throw my arms around her neck and exclaim, in impassioned tones,
'My sister, I love you,' what would she think of me?"

"She would think you had left your senses on the other side," replied
Margaret, laughing. "But I decline to accept the parallel. I have not
given up my heart to your keeping these many years to be only a sister to
you at last."

"But my mother! Is it possible for me to love you more than my mother
loved me? And yet I never heard her speak one word on the subject, and,
now that I think of it, I am not sure but words would have cheapened her
affection in my mind. You do not doubt me, Margaret?"

"No more than you doubted your mother, although she never told her love.
No, it is not so serious as that; but I wish you were more demonstrative,
Walter."

"What, in words? Isn't there something that speaks louder than words?"

"Yes, but let us hear the words, too. There is a beautiful proverb in
India which says, 'Words are the daughters of earth and deeds are the sons
of heaven.' That is true, but let us not try to pass through life without
enjoying the company of some of the 'daughters of earth.'"

"I will confess this much, Margaret, that your words are one of your