"Mr. Johnston, meet my cousin, Professor Barstow."

"I am glad to meet you, Professor," said Percy, as he shook hands
with a tall young man about his own age. Percy noted his handsome
face and gentlemanly bearing.

"Miss Adelaide calls me cousin," said Barstow, "because my aunt
married her uncle."

"Well, Sir, if we're not cousins, then I'm Miss West and not Miss
Adelaide. Is that too much for an absent-minded professor to
remember?"

"I am afraid it is," said Barstow, "and I am sure I would rather be
cousins."

"Professor Barstow leaves on this train," Adelaide explained to
Percy; "excuse me, please."

Percy raised his hat as he stepped back from the crowd and waited
for the parting of the two. He was sure that Barstow held her hand
longer than was necessary, and he also noticed that her face flushed
as she rejoined him after the train started.

"Will you take the rear seat?" she asked. as they reached the
carriage.

"If you so prefer."