“Then be as gentle as you can, won't you?”
“I'll try. But, Gertie, what did you mean by sayin' you was so—so glad? That was what you was goin' to say, wasn't you? I don't see as there's much to be glad about.”
“Don't you? Well, perhaps.... Run along, Daddy, run along.”
She closed the door of her room. Daniel, much perplexed, departed on his unpleasant errand.
His wife was eagerly awaiting him.
“Where's Gertie?” she demanded. “Isn't she coming?”
“She'll come by and by, Serena. She isn't quite dressed yet.”
“What difference does that make? Why doesn't she come, herself? Didn't you tell her I was dying to hear about the election? She must know I am.”
“She does; she knows that, Serena. But she thought—she thought I'd better tell you first, myself.”
Serena leaned forward to look at him. His expression alarmed her.