Much did Maude wonder what James would say, and it was not long ere

her curiosity was gratified; for scarcely four days were passed when

J.C. brought to her an unsealed note, directed to "Cousin Maude."

"I have heard from Jim," he said, "and he is the best fellow in the

world. Hear what he says of you," and from his own letter he read,

"I do congratulate you upon your choice. Maude Remington is a noble

creature--so beautiful, so refined, and withal so pure and good.

Cherish her, my cousin, as she ought to be cherished, and bring her

some time to my home, which will never boast so fair a mistress."

"I'm so glad he's pleased," said J.C. "I would rather have his

approval than that of the whole world. But what! Crying, I do

believe!" and turning Maude's face to the light he continued, "Yes,

there are tears on your eyelashes. What is the matter?"

"Nothing, nothing," answered Maude, "only I am so glad your

relatives like me."

J.C. was easily deceived, so was Maude--and mutually believing that

nothing was the matter, J.C. drummed on the piano, while Maude tore

open the note which James had written to her. It seemed so strange

to think he wrote it, and Maude trembled violently, while the little

red spots came out all over her neck and face as she glanced at the

words, "My dear Cousin Maude."

It was a kind, affectionate note, and told how the writer would

welcome and love her as his cousin, while at the same time it chided

her for not having answered the letter sent some weeks before.

"Perhaps you did not deem it worthy of an answer," he wrote, "but I

was sadly disappointed in receiving none, and now that you are

really to be my cousin I shall expect you to do better, and treat me

as if I had an existence. J.C. must not monopolize you wholly, for I

shall claim a share of you for myself."

Poor, poor Maude! She did not feel the summer air upon her brow--did

not hear the discordant notes which J.C. made upon the piano, for

her whole soul was centered on the words, "sadly disappointed,"

"love you as my cousin," and "claim a share of you for myself."

Only for a moment, though, and then recovering her composure she

said aloud, "What does he mean? I never received a note."




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