“Why? A man mayn’t marry his grandmother, but it is nowhere written that a man mayn’t talk of his cousin.” She laughed at this, but made no reply. Though she had answered me pretty briskly, I was nevertheless struck by her air, which was at once subdued and uneasy. “What are you thinking about, Conny?” “About nothing.” “Were you thinking of me?” “How could I be thinking of you, when I tell you I was thinking of nothing?” “I wonder whether you have a good opinion of me?” “I don’t suppose you care what my opinion is.” “I do. I want you to like me.” “I should be very wicked not to like you, considering we are relations.” “Oh, don’t let us talk of relations. There is a brotherly-sisterly twang about the word which is effective enough in tracts, but which disagreeably affects the mind that is engrossed with worldly considerations. I want you to do more than like me--I want you to love me.” She grew pale and stooped her head, then turning her eyes up to me, said with a forced, nervous laugh, “I have begged you not to talk any nonsense.” “It is not nonsense to me. I am deeply in earnest. I love you, Conny, and shan’t be happy unless you love me in return.” Her head dropped again. My heart thumped like an Irish valet’s fist upon a door. I strained my ear to catch the breathless whisper, but no whisper came. Raising her head suddenly, she said, “It is mamma’s wish that I should marry you. She came to my room last night, and told me to prepare for an offer of marriage. I think you ought to have spoken to me first, before speaking to her. It would have been fairer.” “Spoken to her!” I exclaimed, greatly astonished. “Why, I have never breathed my feelings for you to a living creature.” “How could she have known?” “She must have guessed the truth by my manner. She must have seen, as everybody with eyes must, that I was in love with you. I am very glad to have her sanction; but I can assure you I have never yet sought it.” Here came another pause, and then I said, “I hope you believe me.” “Oh yes; but I was pained when mamma said she wished me to accept you if you proposed, because--because I haven’t had time to fall in love with you yet, Charlie.”