“Which does not occur often,” interrupted Joe.
“Oh, well, I suppose not very often. Why should it?”
Ronald was visibly embarrassed. Joe watched him with a look of amusement on her face; but affectionately, too, as though what he said pleased her as well as amused her. There was a short pause, during which Ronald rubbed his hat slowly and gently. Then he looked up suddenly and met Joe’s eyes; but he turned away again instantly, blushing redder than ever.
“Ronald,” Joe said presently, “I am so glad.”
“Glad? Why? About what?”
“I am glad that you like her, and that she likes you. I think you like her very much, Ronald.”
“Oh yes, very much,” repeated Ronald, trying to seem indifferent.
“Do you not feel as though we were much more like brother and sister now?” asked Joe, after a little while.
“Oh, much!” assented Ronald. “I suppose it is better, too, though I did not think so at first.”
“It is far better,” said Joe, laying her small, thin hand across her cousin’s strong fingers and pressing them a little. “You are free now, and you will probably be very happy before long. Do you not think so?” she asked, looking affectionately into his eyes.