but no, I cannot repeat it.”

“Nonsense,” said Uncle Benjamin. “Out with it. This is no time to be squeamish.”

“She said” — Cousin Stickles’ voice was little more than a whisper — ”she said — ’Oh, darn!’“

“To think I should have lived to hear my daughter swearing!” sobbed Mrs. Frederick,

“It — it was only imitation swearing,” faltered Cousin Stickles, desirous of smoothing things over now that the worst was out. But she had never told about the bannister.

“It will be only a step from that to real swearing,” said Uncle James sternly.