'Quite a practical phoenix!'

'It has done papa so much good! At this moment he's out somewhere,
thinking of what is going on, instead of moping in the house. He
couldn't bear the idea of Will's coming, and now he is already
beginning to complain because he's going away.'

'Will, indeed!'

'And why not Will? He's my cousin.'

'Yes ten times removed. But so much the better if he's to be anything
more than a cousin.'

'He is to be nothing more, Mrs Askerton.'

'You're quite sure of that?

'I am quite sure of it. And I cannot understand why there should be
such a suspicion because he and I are thrown closely together, and are
fond of each other. Whether he is a sixth, eighth, or tenth cousin
makes no difference. He is the nearest I have on that side; and since
my poor brother's death he is papa's heir. It is so natural that he
should be my friend and such a comfort that he should be such a friend
as he is! I own it seems cruel to me that under such circumstances
there should be any suspicion.'

'Suspicion, my dear suspicion of what?'

'Not that I care I or it. I am prepared to love him as if he were my