"Deforrest will not know of it until it's too late," said Waldstricker, rising too.
"Does he know of Letts' trying to force her to marry him?" asked Helen.
"I've never told him. Possibly the girl has."
"I think not," answered Helen, gravely. "He'd have mentioned it to me, I think!"
As her brother passed Madelene, he tweaked her ear.
"Just clear your pretty head of further worry, little kitten ... See?"
Madelene caught his hand affectionately in hers.
"Kiss me, best of good brothers," she smiled. "You've made me perfectly happy! Isn't it dreadful to have to keep tabs on one's husband?"
"You won't have to long," Waldstricker assured her.
Then he kissed her and followed his wife into the library. Mrs. Waldstricker walked to the window and looked out, her eyes full of tears.