Page:The Trespasser, Lawrence, 1912.djvu/241

Rh excitement of the moment, so she could not read him.

“Olive is there, too,” she explained.

Siegmund stood still, straining his eyes to see the two women seated amidst pale wicker dress-baskets and dark rugs. The stranger made things more complex.

“Does she—your other friend—does she know?” he asked.

“She knows nothing,” replied Helena in a low tone, as she led him forward to be introduced.

“How do you do?” replied Olive in most mellow contralto. “Behold the dauntless three, with their traps! You will see us forth on our perils?”

“I will, since I may not do more,” replied Siegmund, smiling, continuing: “And how is Sister Louisa?”

“She is very well, thank you. It is her turn now,” cried Louisa, vindictive, triumphant.

There was always a faint animosity in her bearing towards Siegmund. He understood, and smiled at her enmity, for the two were really good friends.

“It is your turn now,” he repeated, smiling, and he turned away.

He and Helena walked down the platform.

“How did you find things at home?” he asked her.

“Oh, as usual,” she replied indifferently. “And you?”

“Just the same,” he answered. He thought for a moment or two, then added: “The children are happier without me.”

“Oh, you mustn’t say that kind of thing!” protested Helena miserably. “It’s not true.”

It’s all right, dear,” he answered. “So long as