Cousin John, perhaps, is better." "Then, cousin John--" Ada laughingly began again.
"Ha, ha! Very good indeed!" said Mr.Jarndyce with great enjoyment.
"Sounds uncommonly natural.

Yes, my dear ?" "It did better than that.

It rained Esther." "Aye ?" said Mr.Jarndyce.

"What did Esther do ?" "Why, cousin John," said Ada, clasping her hands upon his arm and shaking her head at me across him--for I wanted her to be quiet--"Esther was their friend directly.

Esther nursed them, coaxed them to sleep, washed and dressed them, told them stories, kept them quiet, bought them keepsakes"-- My dear girl! I had only gone out with Peepy after he was found and given him a little, tiny horse!--"and, cousin John, she softened poor Caroline, the eldest one, so much and was so thoughtful for me and so amiable! No, no, I won't be contradicted, Esther dear! You know, you know, it's true!" The warm-hearted darling leaned across her cousin John and kissed me, and then looking up in his face, boldly said, "At all events, cousin John, I WILL thank you for the companion you have given me." I felt as if she challenged him to run away.