"Helen," said Ebenezer, gravely, taking her by the shoulders and turning her face toward him. "You displease me very much."
The drops hanging on the long lashes fell suddenly.
"I'm sorry, dear, but I can't see why you always antagonize Deforrest. You remember how angry he was after that church affair."
"Your brother's anger doesn't affect me in the slightest," returned Ebenezer coldly. "When I see my duty to God, I do it, that's all."
"And you're really determined—Oh, Eb dear, for my sake, please—"
The husband made an impatient movement.
"Helen, how many times have I got to forbid your crying this way. You're always in tears. You'll make yourself sick."
"Lately you've been so cross to me," sobbed Helen, burying her face in her handkerchief.
Waldstricker put his arm about her.
"I don't want to be cross.... There!... Now lie down here on the divan.... I'm going out for an hour or two."