"There is only one thing to do, mother; and that is, nothing. You don't want Johann to be shot, I suppose," said Rosa sharply.
"Don't, Rosa!"
"It's all very well to say don't; but that's what will happen if you insist on stirring this dirty water."
"But you wouldn't have him marry such a woman, child!"
"Perhaps he'd rather do even that than be shot," was the retort.
It was cruel, but effective; and after a few more words her mother gave in and went away, distressed to the point of tears.
"I'd rather have had you tell her the whole truth than grieve her like that, Rosa," I said.
"Possibly, but I wouldn't. You don't know mother, and I do. It was necessary to frighten her or she would have spread the story broadcast. I'll go and make it all right presently."
"Do you believe this story about your cousin?"
"I know it's true, and so does Oscar. He told me the moment we heard Johann was coming back."