"No, but we went to see her. This year she's to come home."
Fetzer began to smooth the seams of her black silk dress. It was a present from Stephen and she felt like a queen in it. She passed over the astonishing word "home."
"What do you mean by a nice Christmas?"
"Oh, wreaths and holly and flowers and a turkey and presents—such a Christmas as young people like. I don't suppose she's had a real Christmas for a long time. She was here two years ago, wasn't she? What did you give her then?"
"A white apron."
Stephen laughed and Fetzer began to tremble. It was her feminine duty to protect Ellen.
"Do you suppose it is best for her to come? On account of her lessons?"
"She won't have any lessons. Of course she's coming! Wasn't she here all summer?"
Fetzer said in her heart, "But you weren't here!" Aloud she said, "Does she know she is to come?"
"Know it? Why, this is her home, Fetzer—surely you understand that!" He stopped in his walk and looked down. Fetzer was not one to make difficulties. "I should think you'd be glad to have her. She's young, and youth is everything."