Baptist church; Art ain't a Baptist; and besides, it's been done. Lew's bored to tears with it and missionary meetin's. He wants an agreeable time; so that's what we're givin' him."
"Mr. Rountree," objected Ellen loyally at this gibe. "Mr. Rountree never"
"Never went down to Stanley in his life," taunted Di, "except for the purest reasons. He believes that a missionary to baptize the Chinks has to start from that town or he'd fall on his face in the river. Honest, Ellen, look at me. Can you imagine J. A. rushin' down to Stanley to sit in the old pew to hear more powerful Baptist preachin'? Can you see him takin' a day-coach so as never to miss a missionary meetin', if old Stanley Alban wasn't waiting for him in the Sunday school room—with his million dollar a year business?"
"Yes," declared Ellen.
"Then let me sleep; and get a lot yourself; you need it worse'n I do." Di lay prone. "Let me sleep . . . I don't need any dinner . . . God, the amount men give you to eat! . . . Got 'nough for a week."
With little assistance from Di, beyond small twistings and wriggles, Ellen removed Di's dress and got her under the bed covers. When Denny called, Ellen went with him alone to a restaurant Christmas dinner.
Jay married; the Metten business in the Slengels' bin; the Alban business shaken. How her world was spinning. Home! She longed for home, for her father's voice, his kiss upon her cheek, his strong arms about her. Yet on Monday, at the office, might be word from Jay; on Monday at the office might be himself, though married.
