"Minty Foster, how many times have I told you never to take that hooker off the string?" said her mother reprovingly.
"I jest wanted it to crack nuts with," explained Minty, as she fished the lifter out triumphantly.
"Well, don't you never untie it again!" responded her mother severely.
"Yes, you'll crack it some day," remarked Edna, "and then what would you do, miles from a hooker as you are? I was telling you, Miss Lacey, that I have a mother with only one foible,—she doesn't like our island. You will see what heresy it is when you come over there. So Miss Martha has taken pity on me the last few summers, and I think she loves it as much as I do."
Sylvia's embarrassment was painful, as the speaker paused, looking at her in the natural expectation of a response.
"I don't know her," was all the reply her lips could utter.
"Then perhaps you will meet her first at my house," returned Edna brightly. "That would be very pleasant for me, I'm sure. I should enjoy the novelty of making near relatives acquainted."
"I shan't be here when she comes," responded Sylvia quickly.
"Indeed? Why, I'm sorry. I supposed you were to be a summer guest. You know Judge Trent, of course."
Sylvia's hot blush under the innocent question caused her cousin to come to the rescue again.