“It seems to me, Mrs. Barnes, that you take a good deal of interest in our family affairs,” said Curtis, suspiciously.
“That’s true, sir. Why shouldn’t I take an interest in a nice gentleman like you?”
Curtis smiled.
“I am doing my best to find Florence. Then our marriage will take place, and it matters little to whom the property is left.”
“But I thought Miss Florence didn’t care to marry you?”
“It is only because she thinks cousins ought not to marry. It’s a foolish fancy, and she’ll get over it.”
“Thrue for you, sir. My first husband was my cousin, and we always agreed, barrin’ an occasional fight——”
“I don’t think Florence and I will ever fight, Mrs. Barnes.”
“What surprises me, Mr. Curtis, is that a nice-lookin’ gentleman like you hasn’t been married before.”
Curtis eyed her keenly, but her face told him nothing.