She had felt it.
"Frank?" she repeated, amazedly.
He nodded.
"Yes, I am your Cousin Frank. I hope"—and a cloud settled on his face—"I hope you are not sorry?"
"Sorry!" she uttered, feeling stupid and confused. "No, I am not sorry! I am very glad—of course I am very glad!" and she held out her hand this time. "But I didn't know!"
"No," he said, with a little sigh. "No, I suppose you did not."
A step was heard behind them, and Mr. Etheridge appeared.
Stella ran to him with a glad cry and put her arms round his neck.
"Uncle!"
He kissed her, and parting the hair from her forehead, looked into her eyes tenderly.