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Her desire to placate her brother supported her determination to know his precise attitude toward her husband. She placed her hand on his arm and replied hurriedly, "Yes, that's what he said. I told him it was no such thing; that you did what you could for the lonely child without a thought " Deforrest's hand closed over the speaker's. "You were mistaken, then," he asserted quietly.
When Deforrest Young opened the door and walked in, his face was wreathed in smiles. "Well, hello, everybody," he cried heartily. "It's an awful night." Ebenezer rose and extended his hand. "So 'tis," he agreed. Helen went forward quickly and helped slip the snow-covered coat from Deforrest's shoulders. At the same time she lifted her lips for a kiss.
"I knew Helen was interested in the Christmas festival, and I thought you'd do as well as I." "And so I did, brother," replied Ebenezer, pompously, "and your vote turned the tide into the channel God wanted it. Some members allowed their human feelings to run away with 'em." Ebenezer's mysterious words suddenly awakened Deforrest's interest.
He grabbed his hat and flung out of the door. Deforrest followed him down through the pear orchard to the lane, and there he stood for a long time watching the ex-convict struggle up the hill to the railroad tracks. When he returned to Tess he found her leaning on the table, her face buried in her hands. She did not lift her head, nor make a move at Deforrest's entrance.
To answer their hysterical questions, when her throat was so hoarse, was impossible for Tessibel. "Let her rest right here, then," said Helen. "Mercy me! If the child hasn't some of Deforrest's clothes on. Let's take the baby upstairs, and, Madelene, you bring down some dry things for Tess.... Here, Tess, dear, let me wrap you in this for a few minutes."
Deforrest's voice was low, deep, and filled with disgust. "I hope you men didn't make a mess of yourselves.... What happened?... Some girl kissed her sweetheart under the pine trees?" The elder glanced over the top of his brother-in-law's head. "Worse than that!" said he. "Much worse than that!... We churched a Magdalene!"
"What!" he roared. "You dare that to my face! Some more of Deforrest's influence, I suppose. Nice family I married into, I must say." Helen got up from her chair. The one thing that stirred her quickest was an attack upon her brother. "Ebenezer Waldstricker, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Forrie minds his own business and you should mind yours."
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