"There's nothing to forgive, dear. You know I always think of you as a brother."
"Ah, that's what you told the curate!" cried James, laughing.
Mary reddened.
"How d'you know?"
"He told Mrs. Jackson, and she told father."
"You're not angry with me?"
"I think you might have made it second cousin," said James, with a smile.
Mary did not answer, but tried to withdraw her hand. He held it fast.
"Mary, I've treated you vilely. If you don't hate me, it's only because you're a perfect angel."
Mary looked down, blushing deep red.