The writer stated that he had lately graduated from college and was now taking a tour to rest and refresh himself after many months of hard study; that he had arrived in Detroit, would tarry there a week and then journey on into Indiana to visit his relatives in Pleasant Plains. "This letter has been some time on the way," Mrs. Keith remarked, examining the date, "and really I think he may walk in upon us day after to-morrow." "Then we'd better be getting ready for him!" exclaimed Mildred, starting up in her energetic way. "Wait a little. Mother promised to tell us about him," cried the children. "Yes, and will. There's time enough, Milly." Mildred resumed her seat; for she, too, wanted to hear all her mother had to tell. "My mother," Mrs. Keith began, "was two years younger than Aunt Wealthy, who was the daughter of my grandfather by his first wife; therefore only half sister to my mother and Aunt Eva, who were the children of the second. "Aunt Eva was five years younger than my mother and was still single when mother died; which, as you have all heard, was when I, her only child, was but little more than two years old. "Cousin Horace, too, was the only child of his mother, and quite a little fellow when she died. I was there, on a visit, at the time and did what I could to comfort him. "We grew quite fond of each other then and have always been so ever since, though we have lived far apart and met very seldom." "Has he got a father?" asked Cyril, "and does he live with him?" "Yes; he has a father, and lives with him when he is at home; but for years past most of his time has been spent at school and college." "I thought Cousin Horace had brothers and sisters?" Rupert said, inquiringly. "Yes; his father soon married again and has a large family by the second wife." "What is Cousin Horace like, mother?" asked Ada. "Wait until he comes and see for yourself," was the smiling rejoinder. "How glad you look, mother!" said Mildred, "are you really so much pleased that he is coming?" "Why, certainly, my child! he is my near kinsman, and, as I have just told you, I am very fond of him; he's like a dear younger brother to me. And particularly welcome just now as his coming will take from the dreadfully lonely feeling Aunt Wealthy's departure has given the house." "But, mother, we can't entertain him suitably, we're so cramped for room and our house only half-furnished; and he is used to living in such grand style. You know you have often told me about it--what a beautiful place Roselands is, and how many carriages and horses, and what a retinue of servants they keep." Mrs. Keith smiled kindly at the anxious face turned toward hers. "Well, daughter dear, we'll just do the best we can for him and it won't hurt him to try roughing it in the backwoods--or prairies rather--for a little while."