"That's so," said Laura, her face brightening. "But then," she added, "they both may know something about it."
Ah, this was my own fear! "Laura," I said suddenly, "do you think those two cousins are in love with each other?"
"Not a bit of it," said Laura decidedly. "Mr. Lawrence is very much interested in Miss Millicent Waring, though I don't know that he is really in love with her. But I think he is rather piqued by her indifference. He seems to have a loyal fondness for Janet, but nothing more than would be expected from a good first-class cousin."
"And she?" I asked, trying hard not to appear self-conscious.
"Oh, she cares for George in the same way. He's her only relative now, you know. But she told me herself she had never cared especially for any man. She's peculiar, you know, Otis; but I do think she shows a great deal of interest in you."
"Do you really?" I exclaimed, looking up to find my sister smiling at me in a mischievous fashion.
"Oh, you dear old goose!" she cried. "Do you suppose I can't see that you're already over head and ears in love with Janet Pembroke, and have been ever since the first day we came into the Hammersleigh?"
"By Jove! that's so," I cried. "Laura, you know more about my affairs than I do. I thought my affection for that girl dated from this morning, but I see now you are right. I have loved her from the first moment I saw her."
"And you can win her, if you go about it right," said my sister, with her little air of worldly wisdom that always amused me.