of cousin, playmate, and lover, and why might he not add that of
husband? But for the latter relation she was in no haste. Time
enough for that in the indefinite future. She loved the liberty
and year-long frolic of her maiden life, though in truth she had no
idea of settling down on becoming a matron. In the mean time, while
she laughed at De Forrest's love-making, she did not discourage it,
and the young man felt that his clear understanding with the mother
was almost equal to an engagement to the daughter. He welcomed this
country visit with peculiar satisfaction, feeling that it would
bring matters to a crisis. He was not mistaken.

By the time they were sipping their coffee after dessert, the promise
of the leaden sky of the morning was fulfilled in a snow-storm, not
consisting of feathery flakes that fluttered down as if undecided
where to alight, but of sharp, fine crystals that slanted steadily
from the north-east. The afternoon sleigh-ride must be given up,
and even the children looked ruefully and hopelessly out, and then
made the best of in-door amusements.

Miss Marchmont gathered her guests around the parlor fire, and fancy
work and city gossip were in order. The quiet flow and ripple of
small talk was suddenly interrupted by her petulant exclamation:

"Oh! I forgot to tell you a bit of unpleasant news. Mother,
without consulting me, has invited a poor and poky cousin of ours
to spend the holidays with us also. He is from the West, green as
a gooseberry, and, what's far worse, he's studying for the ministry,
and no doubt will want to preach at us all the time. I don't know
when I've been more provoked, but mother said it was too late, she
had invited him, and he was coming. I fear he will be a dreadful