"Oh, well, I suppose not very often. Why should it?"
Ronald was visibly embarrassed. Joe watched him with a look of amusement
on her face; but affectionately, too, as though what he said pleased her
as well as amused her. There was a short pause, during which Ronald rubbed
his hat slowly and gently. Then he looked up suddenly and met Joe's eyes;
but he turned away again instantly, blushing redder than ever.
"Ronald," Joe said presently, "I am so glad."
"Glad? Why? About what?"
"I am glad that you like her, and that she likes you. I think you like her
very much, Ronald."
"Oh yes, very much," repeated Ronald, trying to seem indifferent.
"Do you not feel as though we were much more like brother and sister now?"
asked Joe, after a little while.
"Oh, much!" assented Ronald. "I suppose it is better, too, though I did
not think so at first."
"It is far better," said Joe, laying her small, thin hand across her
cousin's strong fingers and pressing them a little. "You are free now, and
you will probably be very happy before long.
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