quickly, "Why say 'even poor Maurice,' as if it were impossible for
anyone to be jealous of him?"

"But isn't it, Mamma? I thought strong, well men regarded him as one set
apart and done with, since his sad misfortune."

"Not entirely; while women pity and pet the poor fellow, his comrades
will be jealous, absurd as it is."

"No one pets him but me, and I have a right to do it, for he is my
cousin," said the girl, feeling a touch of jealousy herself.

"Rose and Blanche Talbot outdo you, my dear, and there is no cousinship
to excuse them."

"Then let Frank Annon be jealous of them, and leave me in peace. They
promised to come today; I'm afraid something has happened to prevent
them." And Octavia gladly seized upon the new subject. But my lady was
not to be eluded.

"They said they could not come till after dinner. They will soon arrive.
Before they do so, I must say a few words, Tavia, and I beg you to give
heed to them. I desire you to be courteous and amiable to Mr. Annon, and
before strangers to be less attentive and affectionate to Maurice. You
mean it kindly, but it looks ill, and causes disagreeable remarks."

"Who blames me for being devoted to my cousin? Can I ever do enough to
repay him for his devotion? Mamma, you forget he saved your son's life."

Indignant tears filled the girl's eyes, and she spoke passionately,