"But, my dear boy," said Joe, "if you are married to Sybil Brandon, you will need ever so much money." Ronald blushed again. "I have not asked her to marry me," he said quickly. "That makes no difference at all," replied Joe. "As I was saying, when you have married her you will need money." "What an idea!" exclaimed Ronald, indignantly. "As if any one wanted to be rich in order to be happy. Besides, between what I have of my own, and my share of the money, there is nearly four thousand a year; and then there is the place in Lanarkshire for us to live in. As if that were not enough!" "It is not so very much, though," said Joe, reflecting. "I do not think Sybil has anything at all. You will be as poor as two little church mice; but I will come and stay with you sometimes," Joe added, laughing, "and help you about the bills." "The bills would take care of themselves," said Ronald, gravely. "They always do. But whatever happens, Joe, my home is always yours. You will always remember that, will you not?" "Dear Ronald," answered his cousin affectionately, "you are as good as it is possible to be--you really are." "Ronald," said Joe, after a pause, "I have an idea." He looked at her inquiringly, but said nothing. "I might," she continued, smiling at the thought--"I may go and marry first, you know, after all, and spoil it." "But you will not, will you? Promise me you will not." "I wish I could," said Joe, "and then you could have the money"-- "But I would not let you," interrupted Ronald. "I would go off and get married by license, and that sort of thing." "Without asking Miss Brandon?" suggested Joe. "Nonsense!" ejaculated Ronald, coloring for the twentieth time. "I think we are talking nonsense altogether," said Joe, seriously. "I do not think, indeed I am quite sure, I shall never marry." "How absurd!" cried Ronald. "The idea of your not marrying. It is perfectly ridiculous." The name of John Harrington was on his lips, but he checked himself. John was gone abroad, and with more than usual tact, Ronald reflected that, if Joe had really cared for the man, an allusion to him would be unkind. But Joe only shook her head, and let her cousin's words pass unanswered.