She was awakened by a gentle tap on the door, then Violet's voice asking: "Can I come in for one moment, Cousin Annis ?" At that she rose and opened the door, saying.
"Indeed you can, Vi.

But what--who---- ?" as Violet handed her a bunch of Scotch heather, her eyes dancing with mirth and pleasure as she did so, for at the sight of the flowers a crimson flush had suddenly suffused Annis' cheek.
"You see what," she said, "and the who is Cousin Ronald.

Oh, Cousin Annis, I am so glad if only you won't reject him! and he's a dear old man; almost too old for you, I acknowledge, but don't say no on that account.

Be 'an old man's darling,' there's a dear! for then we'll have you close beside us in that lovely Beechwood." A silent caress was Annis' only reply, and Violet slipped away, leaving her once more alone.

For a brief space Annis stood gazing down at the flowers in her hand with a tender smile on her lips, the roses coming and going on her cheek.