I
suppose he is right. Indeed, I do not know of any one else whom he
could call upon. It certainly is a very painful duty at this
time."
"I can't endure to think of it," Helen exclaimed.
"It's a clear question of conscience, Helen," he replied gently.
"Many years have passed since I saw this cousin, yet he, and still
more strongly his father, have the claims of kinship. If anything
should happen which my presence could avert, you know we should
both feel bad. It would be a cloud upon our happiness. If this
request had come before you had changed everything for me, you
know I would have gone without a moment's hesitation. Very
gratitude should make me more ready for duty;" yet he signed
deeply.
"But it may delay the wedding, for which the invitations have gone
out," protested Mrs. Kemble.
"Possibly it may, if my cousin's life is in danger." Then,
brightening up, he added: "Perhaps I shall find that I can leave
him in good care for a short time, and then we can go to
Washington on our wedding trip. I would like to gain associations
with that city different from those I now have.
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