Mr. Verne was piqued to the highest degree when his wife spoke of
her intended tour.
"Why not put it off until next year and I may be able to accompany
you. Arnold can take care of Eve without out assistance."
The sound sense arguments were of no avail.
"We must certainly go, and I should think it would be much
pleasanter for us to think that we left home without any
disagreeable feelings."
"I suppose it is the best way to look at it," said Mr. Verne,
quitting the room and going to his office, where in a few moments he
was found by his beloved Marguerite.
"So my sunbeam is going to leave me," said the father, taking the
girl in his arms and kissing the soft oval cheeks until a faint
flush overspread them and the lips grew tremulous.
"I do not want to go papa, but mamma says that she cannot think of
going alone," said Marguerite, as she nestled closer in her father's
embrace and wound her arms lovingly around his neck.
"Perhaps the invigorating sea breeze may coax a few brighter roses,"
said the fond father, emphasizing his words by patting Marguerite's
cheek with childlike playfulness.
"Never mind, you dear old papa, they cannot force me to stay very
long away from you.
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