! But others do not think it, if you do,"
murmured Hepsy. "Oh!" she exclaimed, with a burst of passionate grief,
"it was cruel in her, to be Henry Wilbur's judge, and sentence him to
kiss me!"

"Did she?"

"Yes; then they all laughed, and she ran out in the sitting-room after
you; and the rest thought it such a joke, that anybody should have to
kiss _me_!"

Hepsy spoke very bitterly, and Chester's blood boiled with indignation.

"I can't believe they were making fun at your expense," said he, in a
suppressed tone. "If I thought they were so heartless----"

"Oh, they did not know how I would feel about it, I am sure,"
interrupted the girl.

"Did Henry laugh?"

"No,"--with a melancholy smile,--"it was no laughing matter with
him!--No!--Henry was very gentlemanly about it. He did not hesitate,
although I saw him turn all sorts of colors; but came right up to do
penance, like a hero. I thanked him in my heart for the good will he
showed; but I would not let him kiss me, for I knew it would be
disagreeable to him."

"That is all your imagination," cried Chester, cheerily. "So think no
more about it. Remember that there is one who loves you, at any rate,
let what will happen."

"I know there is one very good to me," replied Hepsy, with emotion. "Oh,
you don't know what a comfort your kindness is! I would not--I could
not--live without it! I sometimes think everybody hates me but you."

"You are too sensitive, Coz. But since you imagine such things, I'll
tell you what: when I am married, you shall come and live with me. How
would you like that?"

A quick pain shot through Hepsy's heart. A faintness came over her. Her
cold hand dropped from Chester's, and fell by her side.

"I will tell my wife all about how good you are," he continued, in a
tone of encouragement; "and she must love you too. She cannot help it.
And we will always be like brother and sister to you."

He kissed her white cheek, and went on hopefully:

"I have a secret for you, which I have not even revealed to Sarah or
James. I will tell it to you, because I know how it will please you." He
took her hand again. "The truth is, I am--engaged."

Hepsy did not breathe; her hand was like stone.

"To a glorious girl, Coz. Oh, you cannot help loving her. You can form
no idea how sweet and beautiful she is. She's tall as Sarah, but more
slender and graceful. You should see her curls! When she speaks, her
soft eyes----But what is the matter?"

"The