She tripped lightly out, and Warren handed her into the buggy, and soon the two cousins went from that farmhouse in a very sad mood, as Nettie was leaving her new found friends to go back to the great busy city to live within herself, as her old associates avoided her, or she avoided them, as she could not meet them as of old. Warren was sad, as he did not wish his little cousin to leave them. She was like a sunbeam in the dear old home, and he had taken great pleasure in getting the two young people together who he thought were best suited to each other. Now his pleasures were ended, as his cousin was going home. “If she was not my cousin,” he would say to himself, “I would try to win her affections, but that word cousin casts all into oblivion as far as I am concerned.” As they were driving over the rough country roads, Warren said, “Little cousin, there is something wrong or you would not be leaving us so soon; is there not?” “Warren,” she said, bursting into tears, “God alone knows the misery I have endured since last evening. You say you are my friend; I believe you, as you seem to take great interest in my welfare. I am going home to live like a hermit, in a great city. As such always think of me. I would like to stay, but it can not be,” she exclaimed passionately. “He is rich and I am poor. I can not stay and be a temptation to one who is dearer to me than life. If he proves true then all is well, if not, then God pity me.” Warren was listening to her passionate words, while tears stood in his honest blue eyes as he said, “Paul Burton is a man of honor. If he told my little cousin he loved her it is the truth, as I have known him for many years, or ever since I can remember a playmate, and I never have caught him in a lie.” Nettie was weeping violently as she said, “Please write to me often, and write all the news about him, but do not tell him one word about me. If he really loves me he will find me, if not, it is better as it is.” She spoke sadly. “I will do as you have bidden me,” said Warren, “and prove to you that I am a true friend.” Suddenly the crack of a gun was heard. The horses sprang forward and nearly threw the young couple out of the buggy. “I wonder who is out sporting so early this morning,” said Nettie. “It sounds like Paul’s gun,” said Warren, as he gently drew up the reins of the horses and brought them to a walk. “I wonder how Paul’s mother is this morning. He said she was not very well last night. Perhaps he is out to kill something for her.” “Has his mother been sick very long?” asked Nettie. “She is a tall, frail woman, and she has very bad spells. Some people say she has heart disease,” said Warren. “I am very sorry indeed. It would be very sad for him to have his mother taken from him. I really hope to hear when you write that she is better.” They went slowly up to the little village hotel. The stage was about to start.