unless you could get credit for it? That was the principle upon which he
always acted.

"I suppose," continued Tom, "this country cousin of mine wears cowhide
boots and overalls, and has got rough, red hands like a common laborer.
I wonder what Sam Paget would say if I should introduce such a fellow to
him as my cousin. I rather guess he would not want to be quite so
intimate with me as he is now."

If anything had been needed, this consideration would have been
sufficient to deter Mr. Stanton from sending for his nephew. He could
not permit the social standing of his family to be compromised by the
presence of a poor relation from the country, rough and unpolished as he
doubtless was.

Maria, too, who had been for some time silent, here contributed to
strengthen the effect of Tom's words.

"Yes," said she, "and Laura Brooks, my most intimate friend, who is
shocked at anything vulgar or countrified--I wouldn't have her know that
I have such a cousin--oh, not for the world!"

"There will be no occasion for it," said her father, decidedly. "I shall
write at once to this Dr. Kent, explaining to him my views and wishes,
and how impossible it is for me to do as he so inconsiderately
suggests."

"It's the wisest thing you can do, Mr. Stanton," said his wife, who was
to the full as selfish as her husband.