Ada had turned so pale that he made her sit down in his reading-chair and sat beside her.
"It's nothing, my dear," he said, "it's nothing. Rick and I have only had a friendly difference, which we must state to you, for you are the theme. Now you are afraid of what's coming."
"I am not indeed, cousin John," replied Ada with a smile, "if it is to come from you."
"Thank you, my dear. Do you give me a minute's calm attention, without looking at Rick. And, little woman, do you likewise. My dear girl," putting his hand on hers as it lay on the side of the easy-chair, "you recollect the talk we had, we four when the little woman told me of a little love affair?"
"It is not likely that either Richard or I can ever forget your kindness that day, cousin John."

Ada had turned so pale that he made her sit down beside him.
"It's nothing, my dear," he said, "Rick and I have only had a friendly difference, which we must state to you, for you are the theme. Now you are afraid of what's coming."
"I am not, cousin John," replied Ada with a smile, "if it is to come from you."
"Thank you, my dear." Putting his hand on hers, he said, "Do you recollect the talk we had, we four, when the little woman told me of a little love affair?"
"It is not likely that either Richard or I can ever forget your kindness that day, cousin John."
