cousin that will like you, too." "A young girl?" "No; of course not. He is a young man. His name is Percy de Brabazon. It is a funny name, isn't it? You see, his father was a Frenchman." Florence was glad that she already knew from Percy's own mouth of the relationship, as it saved her from showing a degree of surprise that might have betrayed her acquaintance with the young man. "What makes you think your cousin would like me, Carrie?" "Because he always likes pretty girls. He is a masher." "That's slang, Carrie. I am sure your mamma wouldn't approve your using such a word." "Don't tell her. It just slipped out. But about Percy--he wants very much to be married." Florence was not surprised to hear this, for she had the best reason for knowing it to be true. "Is he a handsome young man?" she asked, demurely. "He's funny looking. He's awful good-natured, but he isn't the sort of young man I would like," concluded Carrie, with amusing positiveness. "I hope you don't let your mind run on such things. You are quite too young." "Oh, I don't think much about it. But Percy is a dude. He spends a sight for clothes. He always looks as if he had just come out of a bandbox." "Is he in any business?" "No; he has an independent fortune, so mamma says. He was in Europe last year." "I think, Carrie, we must give up talking and attend to business. I should have checked you before, but I thought a little conversation would help us to get acquainted. Now show me your books, and I will assign your lessons." "Don't give me too long lessons, please, Miss Linden." "I will take care not to task you beyond your strength. I don't want my pupil to grow sick on my hands."