"Thank you, dear; now I _am_ flattered. One struggle more; we
must go together and ask the nurses' pardon."

"Must we? ugh!"

"Yes--and kiss them--and make it up."

Reginald made a wry face; but, after a pause of solemn reflection, he
consented, on condition that Lucy would keep near him, and kiss him
directly afterward.

"I shall be sure to do that, because you will be a good boy then."

Outside the door Reginald paused: "I have a favor to ask you,
cousin--a great favor. You see I am so very little, and you are so
big; now the husband ought to be the biggest."

"Quite my own opinion, Reggy."

"Well, dear, now if you would be so kind as not to grow any older till
I catch you up, I shall be so very, very, very much obliged to you,
dear."

"I will try, Reggy. Nineteen is a very good age. I will stay there as
long as my friends will let me."

"Thank you, cousin."

"But that is not what we have in hand."