Mother Sheridan what I'd heard, and to let her tell Father Sheridan
if she thought she ought to, and I did it for your own good."

"Yes, you did!" And Edith's gibing laughter tooted loudly. "Yes,
you did! YOU didn't have any other reason! OH no! YOU don't want
to break it up between Bobby Lamhorn and me because--"

"Edie, Edie! Now, now!"

"Oh, hush up, mamma! I'd like to know, then, if she says her new
friends tell her he's got such a reputation that he oughtn't to come
here, what about his not going to HER house. How--"

"I've explained that to Mother Sheridan." Sibyl's voice indicated
that she was descending the stairs. "Married people are not the same.
Some things that should be shielded from a young girl--"

This seemed to have no very soothing effect upon Edith. "'Shielded
from a young girl'!" she shrilled. "You seem pretty willing to be
the shield! You look out Roscoe doesn't notice what kind of a shield
you are!"

Sibyl's answer was inaudible, but Mrs. Sheridan's flurried attempts
at pacification were renewed. "Now, Edie, Edie, she means it for
your good, and you'd oughtn't to--"

"Oh, hush up, mamma, and let me alone! If you dare tell papa--"

"Now, now! I'm not going to tell him to-day, and maybe--"