In that talk he expressed a great admiration for my little girl, and--half in jest, half in earnest--asked leave to try to win her when she should reach a proper age.

I told him certainly not for at least six years.

It is five now." "Then he ought to wait at least another year," remarked Violet, who had listened with keen interest to her husband's little story.
"Yes; and I hope he will feel that obligation and refrain, for the present at least, from courting her.

And, though I should be sorry for my friend's disappointment, I cannot help hoping that he has not won, and will not win, my daughter's heart.

I want to become neither his father, nor my daughter's cousin," he added with a slight laugh.
"Why, yes, to be sure! I had not thought about those relationships," exclaimed Violet, joining in his mirth.