But they did not go, and Ethel guessed that it was Joe they were waiting for.

She was sure of it when he appeared.

The way they all rushed at him with little shrieks of laughter, talking together, excited as girls! "Though they're all years older than I am!" Ethel angrily exclaimed, as she sat there matronly and severe.

She eyed her husband narrowly, and at first with keen satisfaction she saw how annoyed and embarrassed he was.

But the moments passed, and he grew relieved, more easy and more natural, his voice taking on its usual tone, blunt and genial.