Nettie was tripping here and there, making bouquets, for the dining room tables, seemingly very happy. Her cousins, Warren and Minnie, were very happy to see their little city cousin, as they loved to call her, so happy—she always wore a happy smile now. It was getting late when Minnie said, “Come, Nettie, we must dress soon or some will come and see us with our working clothes on.” “Why, cousin, we should not care, as all who will be here tonight know that we have to work for our living, and we should not try to deceive them,” answered Nettie, setting the last bouquet in the vase on the mantle over the old-fashioned fireplace. “Come now, Minnie, I am ready to go up to the chamber.” Suiting the action to the word she went tripping away, leaving Minnie to follow her. Soon the house was filled with guests, as Hilton’s family were highly respected throughout the vicinity. Nearly all the guests had arrived when the girls came down to the sitting room. Nettie was dressed in book muslin, looped up with knots of cardinal ribbon and a knot in her hair and at her lily-white throat. She was a picture of loveliness. Minnie was dressed the same. “We will be twin sisters this evening,” said Minnie. “Two better-looking girls there are not in the country,” said Warren, as he proudly gave an arm to each. “Don’t flatter us, cousin, or you will make us vain,” said Nettie, looking smilingly up at him. “Yes, brother, these dresses are very becoming to us—do you not think so?” “Yes, sister, white becomes both of you very much.” They were going slowly down the hall. Nettie was looking shyly around the room, and Warren noticing her movements said, “Dear cousin, who are you looking for?” “No one in particular, cousin Warren. What made you think so?” “Oh, you seemed so absent-minded; I do not think you have heard a word we were saying.” As he stopped speaking the door opposite them opened, a young man entered, looked around the room, and took off his hat as he said, “Good evening, all.” His eyes rested on the lovely young girl on Warren’s arm as they came slowly toward him. They came to him, and Warren said, “My cousin, Miss Spaulding, Mr. Burton.” As their eyes met Warren knew they had met before, as Nettie’s face turned crimson and Paul did not look up. He was sure the guests were all looking at him. The cousins turned and went down the hall. A young man came and claimed Minnie for a dance, and Nettie and Warren were alone. As soon as they were far enough away Warren said, “Little cousin, you and Mr. Burton have met before; when and where?” As Nettie did not say anything, he said, “Won’t you tell me, Nettie? Do not be afraid to tell me, as I am your friend and cousin—one that will be a true friend to you under all circumstances.” “Yes,” answered Nettie, “we met last Monday down by the lake; it was he who rescued the flowers for me.”