[Nurumaiel]

A queer choking rose in Posco's throat. Tomorrow morning! He had thought she would stay for at least a week. How could it be that she was leaving so soon? He drew his sleeve across his eyes so she would not see the tear that sprang to them, and then he closed his hands over the stone, taking her own little hands at the same time. He contemplated kissing them for a moment, but he decided it was too bold, so he just fixed his eyes on her and said: "Lily, I will take it, and I will treasure it all my life, to my dying day. I wish that I had as much to give you."

"Why, Posco!" she said. "You have given me these flowers. Would you have me ask for more?"

"Flowers are sweet and beautiful," said Posco, "but soon they'll be faded. I want to give you something that will last forever, as my affections for you, for that love will never wither."