the appearance of
being on the verge of tears.

"I want to see Aunt Betsey," said Mrs. Franklin, as she buttered a roll
for Willy. "I think she must be a very interesting character."

"It is very extraordinary that we have heard nothing from her," went on
Mr. Franklin. "What can be the meaning of it? When was she last here,
Edith?"

"In June."

"Was it when I was at home? Hasn't she been here since the time she gave
Jack the money for the incubator?"

"That was in May. You were in Albany when she was here the last time."

"It is very strange that she has never written nor come to see you,
Hester. It can't be that she is offended with something, can it? I must
take you up to Wayborough to see the dear old lady. I am very fond of
Aunt Betsey, and I would not hurt her feelings for the world."

There was a pause, and then into the silence came Janet's shrill tones:

"I know why Aunt Betsey's feelings are hurted. They was turribly hurted.
Edith an' Cynthia an' Jack all knows too."

"Janet, hush!" interposed Edith.

"Not at all; let the child speak," said her father. "What do you know,
Janet?"

"Aunt Betsey came, an' she went to see Mrs. Parker, an' Mrs. Parker said
she'd been there before an' Aunt Betsey said she hadn't, an' it wasn't
Aunt Betsey at all, it was Cynthia dressed up like her, an' Aunt Betsey
said we was all naughty 'cause we didn't want the bride to come, an' the
bride was mamma, and we didn't want her, it was the trufe, an' Aunt
Betsey went off mad 'cause Cynthia dressed up like her. She wouldn't
stay all night, she just went off slam-bang hopping mad."

"What does the child mean?" exclaimed her father. "Will some one
explain? Edith, what was the trouble?"

"I would rather not say," said Edith, her eyes fastened on her plate.

"That is no way to speak to your father. Answer me."

"Papa, I cannot. It is not my affair."

"It is your affair. I insist."

"Wait, John," interposed Mrs. Franklin.

"Not at all; I can't wait. Edith was here in charge of the family.
Something happened to offend Aunt Betsey. Now she must explain what it
was. I hold her responsible."

"Indeed she's not, papa," said Cynthia, at last finding her voice.
"Edith is not to blame; I am the one. I found Aunt Betsey's false front,
and I dressed up and looked exactly like her, and Jack drove me to see
Mrs. Parker. Edith didn't want me to go, but I would do it. Really,
papa, Edith isn't a bit to blame. And then when Aunt Bets