The fact that "Uncle Joe," the sugar merchant, _was_ his actual father, does not do away with his charm; and his sister, Minnie Hescott, is almost as handsome as he is! All at once Rylton seems to remember what his wife had said to him a few weeks ago, when they were discussing the question of their guests.

She had told him he need not be afraid of her relations; they were presentable enough, or something like that.

Looking at Tom Hescott at this moment, Sir Maurice tells himself, with a grim smile, that he is, perhaps, a little _too_ presentable--a sort of man that women always smile upon.

His grim smile fades into a distinct frown as he watches Tita smiling now on the too presentable cousin.
"What is it ?" asks Mrs.Bethune, making room for him in the recess of the window that is so cosily cushioned.

"The cousin ?" "What cousin ?" demands Sir Maurice, making a bad fight, however; his glance is still concentrated on the upper part of the room.
"Why, _her_ cousin," says Mrs.Bethune, laughing.