“Or cousin,” said Eric Leland. “I can’t be her uncle, but she’s my cousin, because her mother is.”
“Yes,” said Grandma Elsie, “so she is, and I hope you will be so kind to her that she cannot help loving you. Now you may all go out into the grounds and enjoy yourselves there; far enough from the house not to disturb your sick cousin if you want to make any noise.”
“I think we will all try to be quiet, grandma,” said Elsie, “and go far enough away not to disturb Sister Eva with our talk.” And with that they all passed out very quietly.
Elsie led the way to the summer house on the edge of the cliff, which had always been one of Evelyn’s favorite resorts. There they seated themselves, enjoying the beautiful prospect of the river and its farther shore.
“That baby is a dear, pretty little cousin for us all, isn’t she?” remarked Alie Leland.
“To you and your sister and brothers,” Elsie answered, with merry look and tone; “but niece to Ned and me, you must remember, because her father is our brother.”
“Well, I don’t care,” laughed Alie. “I believe it’s about as good to be cousin as aunt.”