In a few minutes the housemaids withdrew from the farther rooms, and the whole suite became vacant for some time, till a light step caught Captain Delaware's ear; and, turning round, he beheld a young lady whom he had seen there before, when last he had visited London. At that time he had found her surrounded by a whole bevy of strangers, whose gay appearance and supercilious manner had somewhat repelled the young sailor, although Miss Beauchamp herself, Lord Ashborough's niece, had spoken to him with frank kindness, and claimed relationship with him at once. Miss Beauchamp now advanced toward him, while he acknowledged her approach by a bow, which was stiff though not awkward. The young lady, however, held out her hand with a gay smile, and, as he took it, added, in a tone of playful sharpness--"Tell me, sir, are you my cousin, or are you not?" "I believe I have some right to claim that honor," replied Captain Delaware. "Well, then," continued the young lady, "lay aside, immediately, all that stiff, chilly reserve, or I will disown you henceforth and forever." Captain Delaware smiled, and she continued--"I know that this house has a very icy atmosphere, but that does not extend to my part of it; and while my noble and stately uncle may be as frigid as the north pole in his peculiar territories--the library and the dining-room--I must have a pleasanter climate in my domains, the drawing-rooms, and breakfast-room." "Your own presence must always produce such an atmosphere," replied Captain Delaware. "But you must remember, Miss Beauchamp, that I have been but a short time within its influence, so that I have scarcely had leisure to get thawed." "Oh, I must unfreeze you quite, ere long, my good cousin," replied Miss Beauchamp, laughing. "But now, listen to me for five minutes, for I have a great deal more to say to you than you know any thing about. Calculating that you would come early, when I heard that my uncle had asked you to breakfast, I determined to rise a full hour sooner than usual, on purpose to give you your lesson for the day." Captain Delaware expressed his thanks as warmly as possible, acknowledging, however, that his gratitude was somewhat mingled with surprise, to find that his fair cousin was prepared to be interested in behalf of one who, though akin by blood, was nearly a stranger, as far as acquaintance went.