you will be the better for a little fresh air. Besides, I have
something to say to you."

Excitement, I am sure, is good for young women. I saw in his
face, I heard in his last words, that the mystery of the lady
was at last to be revealed. The sensation of languor and fatigue
which follows a disturbed night left me directly.

My father gave me his arm, and we walked slowly up and down the
lawn.

"When that lady called on me yesterday," he began, "you wanted
to know who she was, and you were surprised and disappointed when
I refused to gratify your curiosity. My silence was not a selfish
silence, Helena. I was thinking of you and your sister; and I was
at a loss how to act for the best. You shall hear why my children
were in my mind, presently. I must tell you first that I have
arrived at a decision; I hope and believe on reasonable grounds.
Ask me any questions you please; my silence will be no longer
an obstacle in your way."

This was so very encouraging that I said at once: "I should like
to know who the lady is."

"The lady is related to me," he answered. "We are cousins."

Here was a disclosure that I had not anticipated. In the little
that I have seen of the world, I have observed that cousins
--when they happen to be brought together under interesting
circumstances--can remember their relationship, and forget