cousin, is a young gentleman of good character, good mind, good education, good heart, and good manners, and in due time may command a good income from his profession; but just now, in pecuniary matters, he would not be considered a brilliant match.  Mr. Roscoe informs me that he desires an interview with you to-morrow, for the purpose of offering you his heart and hand; and while protesting on the ground of your youth, I have promised to communicate his wishes to you, and should he be favourably received, write to your mother at once.”

Perplexed and confused, she had not fully comprehended his purpose until he uttered the closing sentence, and painful astonishment kept her silent, while as if spellbound her gaze met his.

“Now it remains for you to answer one question.  Should your mother give her consent, does Miss Regina Orme intend to become my cousin?”

“Oh, never!  You distress me; you ought not to talk to me of such things.  I am so young, you know mother would not approve of it.”

She blushed scarlet, and attempted to withdraw her hands, but found it impossible.

“Quite true, and if crazy young gentlemen could be prevailed upon to keep silent, rest assured I should never have broached a subject, which I regard as premature.  But while I certainly applaud your good sense, it is rather problematical whether I should feel gratified at your summary rejection of an alliance with my cousin.  Are you fully resolved that I shall never be related to you, except as your guardian?”

“Yes, sir.  I do not wish to be your cousin.”

Once more the smile shone out suddenly, making sunshine in his face.

“Thank you.  At what hour will you see Mr. Roscoe?”

“At none.  Please do not let him come here, or speak to me on that subject; it would be so extremely painful.  I should never meet him afterward without feeling distressed, and things would be intolerably disagreeable.  Please, Mr. Palma, shield me from it.”

She involuntarily drew closer to him, as if for protection, and noting the movement, he smiled, and tightened his clasp of her hands.

“I cannot positively forbid him to address you on this terrible topic, but if you wish it, I will endeavour to dissuade him.  Elliott has Palma blood in his veins, and that has certain unmistakable tendencies to obstinacy, though its conduct in love affairs yet remains to be tested; but it occurs to me that if you are in earnest in desiring to crush this foolish whim in the bud, you can very easily accomplish it by empowering me to make to my cousin a simple statement, which will extinguish the matter beyond all possibility of resurrection.”

“Then tell him whatever your judgment dictates.”

“My judgment must be instructed by facts, and the simple statement I propose might involve grave consequences.  Do you authorize me to close the discussion of this matter at once and for ever, by informing Mr. Roscoe that you cannot entertain the thought of granting him an interview because his suit is hopeless from the fact that your affections are already engaged?”