"Much study has affected your imagination, Carl," laughed Cousin Helen.
"And what is the matter with you, then, Cousin Helen? Who sent Aunt Zélie a postal card with nothing on it but the address?" inquired Louise.
This caused a laugh, for Miss Hazeltine was just now the target for all the teasing her young relatives could contrive.
Always somewhat famous for her absent mindedness, now that she was soon to be married they chose to lay anything of the kind to the fact of her being so deeply in love.
"Let me tell you the latest joke," cried Aleck. "Last Sunday, when Mr. Arthur was here, they went to service at St. John's. The usher wanted to take them up front, but Sister Helen, being very modest, stopped at a seat half-way and asked politely, 'Can't we occupew this py?'"
"Aleck, you are too bad! I only half said it," exclaimed the victim, while the others shouted.
Bess and Louise were in the seventh heaven of delight at the prospect of being bridesmaids, and took a rapturous interest in all the preparations, their only regret being that Mr. Caruth was not to be the groom. Everybody was so occupied with other things that afternoon that Carl's remark about Jim was forgotten till he came in at dinner-time, looking very much excited.
"You won't think I am crazy now. The Carters have gone to smash, and it is reported that Mr. Carter tried to kill himself."
"Carl! How dreadful! Are you sure?" Aunt Zélie dropped her book in her astonishment.
"I am not altogether surprised," said Mr. Hazeltine, coming in. "He was known as one of the most reckless speculators in the country. His wealth was gained in that way, and now it has gone as it came."