low--hill sides and forests, plantations and villas appearing on
either hand.

"Faith, my new cousin is well located. It bates Ballymacree I must
confess," said Adair, as they came in front of an extensive bungalow
style of building, with a broad verandah running along the front and two
sides, with such a garden as the tropics only can present, kept green by
a clear stream taught to meander through it, and the source of which
could be discerned as in a sparkling cascade it rushed down the mountain
side amid the trees. "I am curious to know what sort of person my elder
relative will prove, not to speak of the younger females of the family,"
added Adair.

As he spoke a cloud of white drapery was seen moving in the verandah.
It soon resolved itself into a tall, dignified old lady, another of
matronly appearance, and a bevy of young ones; two or three of them mere
girls; perfect Houris they seemed to Adair, and Jack was much of the
same opinion. As Adair threw himself from his horse, the old lady
advanced from among the rest, holding out both her hands.

"My young cousin, I am delighted to greet you. It is long, long since I
set eyes on one of my kindred from the old country, and you are
welcome--doubly welcome as coming direct from dear Ballymacree, the home
of my youth," she exclaimed, with a very perceptible Hibernian accent.

Terence made a suitable reply, albeit not much addicted to the utterance
of sentimental speeches, and then he was introduced to his younger
cousins of the second degree; and Jack, who had modestly hung back, came
forward, and went through the same pleasant ceremony. One damsel had
kept somewhat behind the rest as if she did not claim to be a relation.

"Irish to the core," thought Jack. "Large grey eyes, rich brown hair--
the complexion of the lily tinged with the rose--a figure a sylph might
envy."

"Let me make you known, Lieutenant Rogers and Cousin Terence to Miss
O'Regan," said the old lady, the others having retired a few paces, thus
allowing the officers to advance, which they did bowing, with admiration
depicted in their countenances, to the young lady. Courtesying, not
very formally, she put out her hand, and said with a laugh--

"I must beg to be considered among the cousinhood, or I shall feel like
a stranger in your midst."

The fair cousins gathered round laughing, and said, "Yes! yes! of
course!"

Adair took the beautiful little hand, so firm and cool, and felt very