82 THE COUSINS.

Mary gained courage to look up in her face. Mrs,
Lovett was quite touched by the anxious, be-
seeching expression of Mary’s eyes, and, bending
her head down to hide her own tears, she pressed
her lips tenderly on her forehead. But Mary had
seen those tears, and, feeling at once that she had
found a friend, she dropped her head on her aunt’s
bosom, and wept there as confidingly as she could
have done in her Maumer’s arms. Mrs. Lovett
did not ask Mary what she was crying for, or tell
her that she must not cry, but she soothed and
caressed her, parting her hair from her forehead,
and calling her her dear little girl, till the sobs
began to die away. Then she asked her some
questions about her voyage—such questions as
only required yes or no for an answer; and Mr.
Lovett, taking Charles on one knee—J’mma was
already on the other—told him of the dolphin,
and the Grampus, and Mother Carey’s chickens,
and of what Cousin Mary thought and said when
she saw them, till Mary became interested too,
and sat upon her aunt’s lap, and listened, and
smiled, and was comforted.

For some time there was no work and no study