The last sentence escaped my lips without my meaning it. Had I not come upon it unexpectedly, I think I should have kept it to myself. John blushed, and looked hurt. For a few minutes there was a disagreeable silence, which we both felt awkward. He was the first to break it.
"Kate," said he, "do you think I shall be married before Miss
Horsingham?"
"How can I tell?" I replied, looking steadfastly out of the window, whilst my colour rose and my heart beat rapidly.
"Do you believe that Welsh story, Kate?" proceeded my cousin.
I knew by his voice it couldn't be true; I felt it was a slander; and I whispered, "No."
"One more question, Kate," urged Cousin John, in a thick, low voice.
"Why did you refuse Frank Lovell?"
"He never proposed to me," I answered; "I never gave him an opportunity."
"Why not?" said my cousin.
"Because I liked some one else better," was my reply; and I think those few words settled the whole business.
* * * * *