"And mine," cried I, "is Nigel Gray, your Cousin Nigel, very much at your service, and very much in love with Cousin Audrey!"
For a moment we gazed into each other's eyes in a kind of transport, and then, without more ado, I took the little lady in my arms, and kissed her. At first she tried to be a little prim and coy, but, later, she sat upon my knee, although the chaise was narrow, and clasped her arms about my neck.
"You dear, brave cousin!" she cried.
"Am I so dreadful, and will you run away again?"
"Don't tease me, Nigel," she pleaded, and laid her cheek against mine. She was little more than a child, after all, and my heart beat high and quick to think from what, under Providence, I had saved her that day.
"What can I tell father?" she asked.
"I TOOK THE LITTLE LADY IN MY ARMS AND KISSED HER."
"You only left home this morning?"
"Yes, cousin."