Cousin Ronald, waiting only to greet Violet, turned to the young stranger guest, and grasping her hand said with emotion: “I need ask no questions, for that bonny, winsome face tells plainer than any words that you are my Cousin Janet’s bairn.”
Marian gazed at him for a moment in dumb astonishment; then a glad surprise lighted up her face.
“A kinsman of my dear mother?” she exclaimed.
“Yes, my bonny lass. Did you never hear her speak of her Cousin Ronald Lilburn?”
“Oh, I have, sir, I have! and you are he?”
“That I am, lassie; and old enough to be your grandsire; so dinna think it too great a liberty I take,” kissing her on cheek and lip. “And my cousin Elsie here, and her children, may claim kindred with you also, lassie,” putting the hand he held into that of Mrs. Travilla.
“Yes, we must be permitted to claim you as our own, dear girl,” Grandma Elsie said in tender tones and with an affectionate caress. Then turning to her children, “Rosie and Walter,” she said, “this is your cousin, too.”
“Then mine also, mamma,” exclaimed Violet.
“Ah, Marian, I am glad to know there is such a tie between us!” taking the young girl’s hand in hers and holding it for a moment in a kindly pressure.