"Certainly, child, but he insists he scarcely knows her. He rehearsed the trouble his sister had before she died—"
"Oh, he's told me that, too," interjected Madelene, tartly, "but that wouldn't make him mix her name up with mine, would it, and make him get mad every time I mention her?"
"He seems to be very much incensed that any one should accuse him of caring for her," observed Ebenezer. "And Madelene—"
Helen went quickly to her sister-in-law.
"Dear," she interrupted her husband, "if I were you, I wouldn't say anything more about it to Frederick until you're certain.... Here he comes, now. Do be pleasant to him, both of you."
But in spite of Helen's good offices, the first dinner at home was anything but a happy one for the young couple.