why. Did you not tell me years ago that she would always be your
companion through life? and do you think I could be such a base scoundrel
as to breathe one single syllable to her that might tempt her for even a
moment to think of leaving you?"

Cosin seemed really angry instead of pleased at this, and said severely,
"And so _you_ thought _me_ such a selfish brute, that I would rather keep
her sweet companionship to myself, and be her gaoler more than her
brother, than give her a free woman's choice to marry anyone that was
worthy of her, and on whom (lucky dog!) she had set her dear heart? I do
not thank you for the compliment."

Tournier looked on his irritated friend with admiring surprise. It was
like the harsh grating of a heavy door that had hitherto barred his way
to happiness, but was now opening.

"The thing is," said Cosin in a milder tone, "does Alice like _you_?"

"I cannot say. She never did anything to make me suppose it. But I was
not observant, for I did not think about it."

"And yet, silly fellow that I am," said Cosin, "I now remember how her
face always lighted up when she heard about you, or we talked of your
coming. What a blind bat I have been! Oh, how I hope she does like you.
I am sure she must. But you must find it out, and if she has any
scruples left, tell her to come to me and I will satisfy her."

And Tournier, nothing loth, did find it out next day. The interview
shall not be described, for such things are sometimes related with
admirable taste and effect, but much more often are made ridiculous; and
as this was pre-eminently sensible, natural and real, it shall not run
the risk of being spoilt by any attempt of the kind. It must be
sufficient to say that the interview was perfectly successful, only Alice
persisted in saying that, although she entirely and joyfully believed
what Tournier told her about her brother, yet she must speak to him
herself, and hear from his own lips that he gave a willing consent. And
Tournier only admired her the more for it.

Away, therefore, she went with radiant face to seek her brother; nor did
it take long to get his consent. As she came into the room he
forestalled her object, and folding her to his breast said, "Dear Alice,
I know what you are going to say. Your face tells the tale. You have
fulfilled, more than fulfilled, your loving duty to me. Do one thing
more to make me happy--go and make that dear good _fellow_ happy all the
re