“Yes, sister, white becomes both of you very much.”
They were going slowly down the hall. Nettie was looking shyly around the room, and Warren noticing her movements said, “Dear cousin, who are you looking for?”
“No one in particular, cousin Warren. What made you think so?”
“Oh, you seemed so absent-minded; I do not think you have heard a word we were saying.”
As he stopped speaking the door opposite them opened, a young man entered, looked around the room, and took off his hat as he said, “Good evening, all.”
His eyes rested on the lovely young girl on Warren’s arm as they came slowly toward him.
They came to him, and Warren said, “My cousin, Miss Spaulding, Mr. Burton.”
As their eyes met Warren knew they had met before, as Nettie’s face turned crimson and Paul did not look up. He was sure the guests were all looking at him. The cousins turned and went down the hall. A young man came and claimed Minnie for a dance, and Nettie and Warren were alone. As soon as they were far enough away Warren said, “Little cousin, you and Mr. Burton have met before; when and where?”
As Nettie did not say anything, he said, “Won’t you tell me, Nettie? Do not be afraid to tell me, as I am your friend and cousin—one that will be a true friend to you under all circumstances.”
“Yes,” answered Nettie, “we met last Monday down by the lake; it was he who rescued the flowers for me.”