"Oh, now, don't go to being angry, Athalia, don't. Indeed I could not help it, I was so lonesome after you went away—only think of staying here all alone."
"Shame on you, Jeannette. And so because you were lonesome, you have taken cousin Charles to sleep with you."
"Yes; why not?"
"Why not! why, Jeannette?"
"Why, Athalia, we are married. You don't think I would do it if we were not, do you?"
"Married! ha, ha, ha! Come in Walter, you can come in now. We are all married folks together. Ha, ha, ha!"
How her laugh did ring. She was anything but angry.
"Why, Athalia, you are only joking."
"No. I am in sober earnest."
How Jeannette did laugh, and hug, and kiss Athalia; and then she ran to the bed, and there was a "kiss in the dark."