Opening the door, and passing out, Kate Vaughan paused timidly upon the
top of the stairway that led down into the garden. Her steps were
stayed by a feeling of bashful reserve, that was struggling to restrain
her from carrying out a resolve somewhat hastily formed.
Her hesitancy was but the matter of a moment; for on the next--her
resolution having become fixed--she descended the stairs, and advanced
blushingly towards the kiosk.
Herbert had not quite recovered from surprise at the unexpected
apparition, when he was saluted by the endearing interrogatory,--"Are
you my cousin?" The question, so _naively_ put, remained for a moment
unanswered: for the tone of kindness in which it was spoken had caused
him a fresh surprise, and he was too much confused to make answer.