"Why have you not told me all this before?"
"Because, you see, I couldn't. I had heard that you were going to be married, and I didn't believe it until you told me; at least—"
Cynthia paused and grew uncomfortably red.
"Poor child!" said Mrs. Franklin, smiling at her sympathetically. "It must have been very hard for you."
"It was," said Cynthia, simply; "only you know, mamma, I don't feel a bit so now. And then when you came home, papa, it was all so exciting I forgot about it, and I have only thought of it once in a while, and—well, I've been afraid to tell you," she added, honestly.
"I should think so! I am glad you have the grace to be ashamed of yourself, Cynthia. Has no apology gone to Aunt Betsey?"
"No, papa."
"It is outrageous. The only thing to do is to go there at once. Jack, get the Pathfinder."
The Pathfinder, boon of New England households, was brought, and Mr. Franklin studied the trains for Wayborough.
"Hester, you had better come too. It is only proper that I should take you to call on Aunt Betsey. Get ready now, and we will go for the day."