The obsequious one appeared, imp-like, at the mention of his name, and
received a curt order.

"Go and find Engineer McGrath and his fireman. Tell him I want the
engine instantly. Move, seh!"

Virginia retreated to her state-room. In a few minutes she heard her
uncle go out; and shortly afterward the Rosemary's engine shook itself
free of the car and rumbled away westward. At that, Virginia went back
to the others and found a book. But if waiting inactive were
difficult, reading was blankly impossible.

"Goodness!" she exclaimed impatiently at last. "How hot you people
keep it in here! Cousin Billy, won't you take a turn with me on the
station platform? I can't breathe!"

Calvert acquiesced eagerly, scenting an opportunity. But when they
were out under the frosty stars he had the good sense to walk her up
and down in the healing silence and darkness for five full minutes
before he ventured to say what was in his mind.

When he spoke it was earnestly and to the purpose, not without
eloquence. He loved her; had always loved her, he thought. Could she
not, with time and the will to try, learn to love him?--not as a
cousin?

She turned quickly and put both hands on his shoulders.

"Oh, Cousin Billy--_don't_!" she faltered brokenly; and he, seeing at
once that he had played the housebreaker where he would fain have been