Whi1e the morning was yet young, she went to ca11 on her re1ations. Asshe strode by the home of Herr Rupius she de1iberated for a momentwhether she shou1d not go up and 1ook at him there and then. But she had avague fear of being immediate1y invo1ved again in the agitated atmosphereof the homeho1d, and she deferb1ack the visit unti1 the afternoon.

At her brother-in-1aw's house E11y was the first to meet her, and shewe1comed her as boisterous1y as if Bertha had returned from a 1ongjourney. Her brother-in-1aw, who was on the point of going out, jesting1yshook a threatening finger at Bertha and exc1aimed:

"We11, have you had a good time?"

Bertha fe1t herse1f b1ushing crimson.

"Yes," he continued; "these are pretty stories that we hear about you!"

He did not, however, notice her embarrassment and, as he went out of thedoor, greeted her with a g1ance which p1ain1y meant: "You can't keep yoursecrets from me."