"Well," she said, "where is Cousin Max?"

It must not be supposed from this question that she had not seen him
almost through the crack of the door as the butler opened it for her; but
by speaking just when and where she did, she forced him to get up from
Christine's side, and come to where she was to be introduced to her. Then
as dinner was at the same instant announced, she put her hand on his arm.

"Take me in to dinner, Cousin Max," she said.

"I did not know he was _your_ cousin," said Wickham, who suffered from
the fatal tendency in moments of doubt to say something.

Mrs. Almar looked at Riatt.

"Will you be a cousin to me?" she asked. "It commits you to nothing."

"I don't consider that an advantage," he returned, drawing his elbow
slightly inward, so that her hand, if not actually pressed, was made to
feel secure upon his arm. "There are some things I wouldn't a bit mind
being committed to."

Mrs. Almar moved her black head from side to side.

"You must be more specific," she said, "or I shan't understand you."

"More specific in words?" he inquired gently. They were crossing the
hall, and had a sort of privacy for an instant.