n a
shaky voice.

"Ahem! We have _all_ seen, Douglas, how devotedly attached you are to
Cossie, and the marked attentions you have paid her. Of course, on
such a small salary you were too honourable to say anything definite.
Ahem! But now that you are in a better position, with splendid
prospects, I have no objection to an engagement, and as soon as you are
comfortably settled in Rangoon, Cossie will join you."

Douglas instantly lifted himself out of his chair and confronted the
unfortunate catspaw; standing erect before her, he said:

"My dear Aunt Emma, kindly understand once for all that I am not in
love with Cossie. I have never made love to her, or ever shall. I
like her as a cousin--but no more. Even if I were madly in love, I
could not marry; my screw will barely keep myself."

"Oh, but you'll get on!" interposed his aunt eagerly. "They all do out
there, and you who are so well educated and gentlemanly will soon be
drawing high pay, and keeping dozens of black servants, and a
motor--and you know poor Cossie is _so_ fond of you."

"I am truly sorry to hear you say so; I cannot imagine _why_ she should
be fond of me; or why, quite lately, she has got this preposterous idea
into her head. Naturally it is a delicate subject to discuss with you,
Aunt Emma; but I declare on my honour that I have never thought of
Cossie but just as a jolly sort of girl and a cousin."

"But you have given her presents, my darling boy; yes, and written to
her," urged the poor lady, clinging to the last straw.

"I have given her chocolates, and a couple of pairs of gloves, and
answered her notes; and if Cossie imagines that every man who gives her
chocolates, and answers notes about tea and tennis, is seriously in
love with her, she must be incredibly foolish. Cossie knows in her
heart that I have never cast her a thought, except as a relation; and,
as a matter of fact, of the two girls I like Delia the best! I don't
want to say unpleasant things when I'm on the point of going
away--probably for years. I hoped to have spent a jolly long day among
you, but from what you have just told me I really could not face it,
and I must ask you to say good-bye to my cousins for me. I will write
to you, Aunt Emma, as soon as I get out to Rangoon. You have always
been very kind, and made me feel at home here; you may be sure I won't
forget it." And he stooped down suddenly and gave her a hearty kiss.
Then before the poor stout lad