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diff --git a/860-h/860-h.htm b/860-h/860-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f72fc8f --- /dev/null +++ b/860-h/860-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9072 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Baby Mine, by Margaret Mayo + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Baby Mine, by Margaret Mayo + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Baby Mine + +Author: Margaret Mayo + +Release Date: July 21, 2008 [EBook #860] +Last Updated: March 16, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BABY MINE *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Keller, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + BABY MINE + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Margaret Mayo + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h4> + To my Helper and Husband + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + Even in college Alfred Hardy was a young man of fixed ideas and high + ideals and proud of it. + </p> + <p> + His friend, Jimmy Jinks, had few ideas and no ideals, and was glad of it, + and before half of their first college term had passed, Jimmy had ridded + himself of all such worries as making up his own mind or directing his own + morals. Alfred did all these things so much better, argued Jimmy, + furthermore, Alfred LIKED to do them—Jimmy owed it to his friend to + give him that pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The fact that Jimmy was several years Alfred's senior and twice his size, + in no way altered his opinion of Alfred's judgment, and through their + entire college course they agreed as one man in all their discussions—or + rather—in all Alfred's discussions. + </p> + <p> + But it was not until the close of their senior year that Alfred favoured + Jimmy with his views on matrimony. + </p> + <p> + Sitting alone in a secluded corner of the campus waiting for Alfred to + solve a problem in higher mathematics, Jimmy now recalled fragments of + Alfred's last conversation. + </p> + <p> + “No twelve dollar shoes and forty dollar hats for MY wife,” his young + friend had raged and he condemned to Jimmy the wicked extravagance of his + own younger sisters. “The woman who gets me must be a home-maker. I'll + take her to the theatre occasionally, and now and then we'll have a few + friends in for the evening; but the fireside must be her magnet, and I'll + be right by her side each night with my books and my day's worries. She + shall be taken into my confidence completely; and I'll take good care to + let her know, before I marry her, just what I expect in return.” + </p> + <p> + “Alfred certainly has the right idea about marriage,” mused Jimmy, as the + toe of his boot shoved the gravel up and down the path. “There's just one + impractical feature about it.” He was conscious of a slight feeling of + heresy when he admitted even ONE flaw in his friend's scheme of things. + “Where is Alfred to find such a wife?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy ran through the list of unattached girls to whom Alfred had thus far + presented him. It was no doubt due to his lack of imagination, but try as + he would, he could not see any one of these girls sitting by the fireside + listening to Alfred's “worries” for four or five nights each week. He + recalled all the married women whom he had been obliged, through no fault + of his own, to observe. + </p> + <p> + True, all of them did not boast twelve dollar shoes or forty dollar hats—for + the very simple reason that the incomes or the tempers of their husbands + did not permit of it. In any case, Jimmy did not remember having seen them + spend many evenings by the fireside. Where then was Alfred to find the + exceptional creature who was to help “systematise his life”? Jimmy was not + above hoping that Alfred's search might be a long one. He was content for + his friend to go jogging along by his side, theorising about marriage and + taking no chances with facts. Having come to this conclusion, he began to + feel uneasy at Alfred's non-appearance. Alfred had promised to meet him on + this spot at four-thirty, and Alfred had decided ideas about punctuality. + It was now five-thirty. Ought Jimmy to look for him, or would he be wiser + to remain comfortably seated and to try to digest another of his friend's + theories? + </p> + <p> + While Jimmy was trying to decide this vexed question, his ear caught the + sound of a girlish titter. Turning in embarrassment toward a secluded path + just behind him, whom did he see coming toward him but Alfred, with what + appeared to be a bunch of daffodils; but as Alfred drew nearer, Jimmy + began to perceive at his elbow a large flower-trimmed hat, and—“horrors!”—beneath + it, with a great deal of filmy white and yellow floating from it, was a + small pink and white face. + </p> + <p> + Barely had Jimmy reversed himself and rearranged his round, astonished + features, when Alfred, beaming and buoyant, brought the bundle of fluff to + a full stop before him. + </p> + <p> + “Sorry to be late, old chap,” said Alfred. “I have brought my excuse with + me. I want you to know Miss Merton.” Then turning to the small creature, + whose head peeped just above his elbow, Alfred explained to her graciously + that Jimmy Jinks was his very best friend, present company excepted, of + course, and added that she and Jimmy would no doubt “see a great deal of + each other in the future.” + </p> + <p> + In his embarrassment, Jimmy's eyes went straight to the young lady's + shoes. It was possible that there might be more expensive shoes in this + world, but Jimmy had certainly never seen daintier. + </p> + <p> + “I hope we didn't disturb you,” a small voice was chirping; and innocent + and conventional as the remark surely was, Jimmy was certain of an + undercurrent of mischief in it. He glanced up to protest, but two + baby-blue eyes fixed upon him in apparent wonderment, made him certain + that anything he could say would seem rude or ridiculous; so, as usual + when in a plight, he looked to Alfred for the answer. + </p> + <p> + Slapping Jimmy upon the shoulder in a condescending spirit, Alfred + suggested that they all sit down and have a chat. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how nice,” chirped the small person. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy felt an irresistible desire to run, but the picture of himself, in + his very stout person, streaking across the campus to the giggled delight + of Miss Fluff, soon brought him submissively to the seat, where he sat + twiddling his straw hat between his fingers, and glancing uncertainly at + Alfred, who was thoughtful enough to sit next him. + </p> + <p> + “Goodness, one could almost dance out here, couldn't one?” said the small + person, named Zoie, as her eyes roved over the bit of level green before + them. + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to try?” asked Alfred, apparently agreeable to her every + caprice. + </p> + <p> + “I'd love it!” cried Zoie. “Come along.” She sprang up and held out her + hands to him. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to be unselfish,” answered Alfred, “and let Jimmy have that + fun.” + </p> + <p> + By this time, Jimmy had been seized with an intuitive feeling that his + friend was in immediate danger. + </p> + <p> + “Was this the young woman who was to sit opposite the fireside five nights + a week and systematise Alfred's life?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy stared at the intruder blankly. For answer, two small hands were + thrust out toward him and an impatient little voice was commanding him to + “Come, dance.” He heard Alfred's laughter. He had no intention of + accommodating the small person in this or any other matter, yet, before he + realised quite how it had happened, he was two-stepping up and down the + grass to her piping little voice; nor did she release him until the + perspiration came rolling from his forehead; and, horror of horrors, his + one-time friend, Alfred, seemed to find this amusing, and laughed louder + and louder when Jimmy sank by his side exhausted. + </p> + <p> + When Jimmy was again able to think consecutively, he concluded that + considerable conversation must have taken place between Alfred and the + small one, while he was recovering his breath and re-adjusting his wilted + neckwear. He was now thrown into a fresh panic by an exclamation from the + excitable Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “You must both meet my friend, Aggie Darling,” she was saying. “I am + bringing her with me to the hop to-night. She is not at all like me. You + will like her dreadfully.” She smiled at Jimmy as though she were + conferring a great favour upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Like her dreadfully,” commented Jimmy to himself. “It was just the kind + of expression one might expect from a mind in such disorder as hers. + 'Systematise Alfred's life,' indeed!” + </p> + <p> + There was more nonsensical chatter, or so it seemed to Jimmy, then Zoie + and Alfred rose to go, and Jimmy was told by both of them that he was to + put in an appearance at the Fraternity “hop” that night. + </p> + <p> + “I'll see you at dinner,” called Alfred gaily over his shoulder and Jimmy + was left to grapple with his first disappointment at his friend's lack of + discrimination. + </p> + <p> + “It's her fault,” concluded Jimmy, as he lifted himself heavily off the + bench and started down the campus, resolved to console himself with food. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + Now Jimmy had no intention of going to the “hop.” He had tried to tell + Alfred so a dozen times during dinner, but each time he had been + interrupted by one of Alfred's enthusiastic rhapsodies about Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Most marvellous girl I have ever met!” exclaimed Alfred over his soup. + “So sensible; so modest. And did you see how simply she dresses?” he + asked. Jimmy recalled his first vision of billowy fluff; but before he + could answer, Alfred had continued excitedly: + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what first attracted me toward her.” He looked at Jimmy as + though he expected some especial mark of gratitude for the favour about to + be bestowed; then he explained with a serious weighing of his words, “It + was her love of children. I had barely been introduced to her when she + turned her back upon me and gave her whole attention to Professor Peck's + little boy Willie. I said to myself, 'any girl of that age who prefers + children to young chaps of my age, is the girl for me.'” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” assented Jimmy lamely. It was his first remark during dinner. + </p> + <p> + “After that, I no longer hesitated. You know, Jimmy, I have decision.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have noticed,” admitted Jimmy, without conviction. + </p> + <p> + “In fifteen minutes,” said Alfred, “I had learned all about the young + lady's antecedents.” + </p> + <p> + Having finished his soup, and resisted a childish impulse to tip the plate + and scrape the bottom of it, Jimmy was now looking anxiously toward the + door through which the roast ought to come. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you all about her,” volunteered Alfred. But Jimmy's eyes were + upon Alfred's plate; his friend had not yet devoured more than two + spoonfuls of soup; at that rate, argued Jimmy, the roast would reach them + about the time that he was usually trying to make his dessert last as long + as possible. + </p> + <p> + “She is here with her aunt,” continued Alfred. “They are on a short visit + to Professor Peck.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy approved of the “short.” + </p> + <p> + “That's good,” he murmured, hopeful that a separation from the minx might + restore his friend's reason. + </p> + <p> + “And Jimmy,” exclaimed Alfred with glistening eyes, “what do you think?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy thought a great deal but he forebore to say it, and Alfred continued + very enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + “She lives right in the same town with us.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” ejaculated Jimmy, and he felt his appetite going. + </p> + <p> + “Within a stone's throw of my house—and yours,” added Alfred + triumphantly. “Think of our never having met her before!” + </p> + <p> + “I am thinking,” said Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Of course she has been away from home a great deal,” went on Alfred. + “She's been in school in the East; but there were the summers.” + </p> + <p> + “So there were,” assented Jimmy, thinking of his hitherto narrow escapes. + </p> + <p> + “Her father is old John Merton,” continued Alfred. “Merton the stationer—you + know him, Jimmy. Unfortunately, he has a great deal of money; but that + hasn't spoilt her. Oh no! She is just as simple and considerate in her + behaviour as if she were some poor little struggling school teacher. She + is the one for me, Jimmy. There is no doubt about it, and I'll tell you a + secret.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy looked at him blankly. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to propose to her this very night.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord!” groaned Jimmy, as if his friend had been suddenly struck down + in the flower of his youth. + </p> + <p> + “That's why you simply must come with me to the hop,” continued Alfred. “I + want you to take care of her friend Aggie, and leave me alone with Zoie as + much as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Zoie!” sniffed Jimmy. The name to him was as flippant as its owner. + </p> + <p> + “True, strong name,” commented Alfred. “So simple, so direct, so like her. + I'll have to leave you now,” he said, rising. “I must send her some + flowers for the dance.” He turned at the door. Suppose I add a few from + you for Aggie.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exploded Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Just by way of introduction,” called Alfred gaily. “It's a good idea.” + </p> + <p> + Before Jimmy could protest further, he found himself alone for the second + time that day. He ate his roast in gloomy silence. It seemed dry and + tasteless. Even his favourite desert of plum pudding failed to rouse him + from his dark meditations, and he rose from the table dejected and + forlorn. + </p> + <p> + A few hours later, when Alfred led Jimmy into the ballroom, the latter was + depressed, not only by his friend's impending danger, but he felt an + uneasy foreboding as to his own future. With his college course + practically finished and Alfred attaching himself to unforeseen entities, + Jimmy had come to the ball with a curious feeling of having been left + suspended in mid-air. + </p> + <p> + Before he could voice his misgivings to Alfred, the young men were + surrounded by a circle of chattering females. And then it was that Jimmy + found himself looking into a pair of level brown eyes, and felt himself + growing hot and cold by turns. When the little knot of youths and maidens + disentangled itself into pairs of dancers, it became clear to Jimmy that + he had been introduced to Aggie, and that he was expected to dance with + her. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact, Jimmy had danced with many girls; true, it was + usually when there was no other man left to “do duty”; but still he had + done it. Why then should he feel such distressing hesitation about placing + his arm around the waist of this brown-eyed Diana? Try as he would he + could not find words to break the silence that had fallen between them. + She was so imposing; so self-controlled. It really seemed to Jimmy that + she should be the one to ask him to dance. As a matter of fact, that was + just what happened; and after the dance she suggested that they sit in the + garden; and in the garden, with the moonlight barely peeping through the + friendly overhanging boughs of the trees, Jimmy found Aggie capable of a + courage that filled him with amazement; and later that night, when he and + Alfred exchanged confidences, it became apparent to the latter that Aggie + had volunteered to undertake the responsibility of outlining Jimmy's + entire future. + </p> + <p> + He was to follow his father's wishes and take up a business career in + Chicago at once; and as soon as all the relatives concerned on both sides + had been duly consulted, he and Aggie were to embark upon matrimony. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” cried Alfred, when Jimmy had managed to stammer his shame-faced + confession. “We'll make it a double wedding. I can be ready to-morrow, so + far as I'm concerned.” And then followed another rhapsody upon the fitness + of Zoie as the keeper of his future home and hearth, and the mother of his + future sons and daughters. In fact, it was far into the night when the two + friends separated—separated in more than one sense, as they + afterward learned. + </p> + <p> + While Alfred and Jimmy were saying “good-night” to each other, Zoie and + Aggie in one of the pretty chintz bedrooms of Professor Peck's modest + home, were still exchanging mutual confidences. + </p> + <p> + “The thing I like about Alfred,” said Zoie, as she gazed at the tip of her + dainty satin slipper, and turned her head meditatively to one side, “is + his positive nature. I've never before met any one like him. Do you know,” + she added with a sly twinkle in her eye, “it was all I could do to keep + from laughing at him. He's so awfully serious.” She giggled to herself at + the recollection of him; then she leaned forward to Aggie, her small hands + clasped across her knees and her face dimpling with mischief. “He hasn't + the remotest idea what I'm like.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie studied her young friend with unmistakable reproach. “I MADE Jimmy + know what I'M like,” she said. “I told him ALL my ideas about everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens!” exclaimed Zoie in shocked surprise. + </p> + <p> + “He's sure to find out sooner or later,” said Aggie sagely. “I think + that's the only sensible way to begin.” + </p> + <p> + “If I'd told Alfred all MY ideas about things,” smiled Zoie, “there'd have + BEEN no beginning.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” asked Aggie, with a troubled look. + </p> + <p> + “Well, take our meeting,” explained Zoie. “Just as we were introduced, + that horrid little Willie Peck caught his heel in a flounce of my skirt. I + turned round to slap him, but I saw Alfred looking, so I patted his ugly + little red curls instead. And what do you think? Alfred told me to-night + that it was my devotion to Willie that first made him adore me.” + </p> + <p> + “And you didn't explain to him?” asked Aggie in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “And lose him before I'd got him!” exclaimed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “It might be better than losing him AFTER you've got him,” concluded the + elder girl. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Aggie,” pouted Zoie, “I think you are horrid. You're just trying to + spoil all the fun of my engagement.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not,” cried Aggie, and the next moment she was sitting on the arm of + Zoie's chair. + </p> + <p> + “Goose!” she said, “how dare you be cross with me?” + </p> + <p> + “I am NOT cross,” declared Zoie, and after the customary apologies from + Aggie, confidence was fully restored on both sides and Zoie continued + gaily: “Don't you worry about Alfred and me,” she said as she kicked off + her tiny slippers and hopped into bed. “Just you wait until I get him. + I'll manage him all right.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say,” answered Aggie; not without misgivings, as she turned off + the light. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + The double wedding of four of Chicago's “Younger Set” had been adequately + noticed in the papers, the conventional “honeymoon” journey had been made, + and Alfred Hardy and Jimmy Jinks had now settled down to the routine of + their respective business interests. + </p> + <p> + Having plunged into his office work with the same vigour with which he had + attacked higher mathematics, Alfred had quickly gained the confidence of + the elders of his firm, and they had already begun to give way to him in + many important decisions. In fact, he was now practically at the head of + his particular department with one office doing well in Chicago and a + second office promising well in Detroit. + </p> + <p> + As for Jimmy, he had naturally started his business career with fewer + pyrotechnics; but he was none the less contented. He seldom saw his old + friend Alfred now, but Aggie kept more or less in touch with Zoie; and + over the luncheon table the affairs of the two husbands were often + discussed by their wives. It was after one of these luncheons that Aggie + upset Jimmy's evening repose by the fireside by telling him that she was a + wee bit worried about Zoie and Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred is so unreasonable,” said Aggie, “so peevish.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” exclaimed Jimmy shortly. “If he's peevish he has some good + reason. You can be sure of that.” + </p> + <p> + “You needn't get cross with me, Jimmy,” said Aggie in a hurt voice. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I be cross with you?” snapped Jimmy. “It isn't YOUR fault if + Alfred's made a fool of himself by marrying the last person on earth whom + he should have married.” + </p> + <p> + “I think he was very lucky to get her,” argued Aggie in defence of her + friend. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you do, do you?” answered Jimmy in a very aggrieved tone. + </p> + <p> + “She is one of the prettiest girls in Chicago,” said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “You're pretty too,” answered Jimmy, “but it doesn't make an idiot of + you.” + </p> + <p> + “It's TIME you said something nice to me,” purred Aggie; and her arm stole + fondly around Jimmy's large neck. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know why it is,” said Jimmy, shaking his head dejectedly, “but + every time Zoie Hardy's name is mentioned in this house it seems to stir + up some sort of a row between you and me.” + </p> + <p> + “That's because you're so prejudiced,” answered Aggie with a touch of + irritation. + </p> + <p> + “There you go again,” said Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean it!” interposed Aggie contritely. “Oh, come now, Jimmy,” + she pleaded, “let's trundle off to bed and forget all about it.” And they + did. + </p> + <p> + But the next day, as Jimmy was heading for the La Salle restaurant to get + his luncheon, who should call to him airily from a passing taxi but Zoie. + It was apparent that she wished him to wait until she could alight; and in + spite of his disinclination to do so, he not only waited but followed the + taxi to its stopping place and helped the young woman to the pavement. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you darling!” exclaimed Zoie, all of a flutter, and looking exactly + like an animated doll. “You've just saved my life.” She called to the taxi + driver to “wait.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you in trouble?” asked the guileless Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dreadful,” answered Zoie, and she thrust a half-dozen small parcels + into Jimmy's arms. “I have to be at my dressmaker's in half an hour; and I + haven't had a bite of lunch. I'm miles and miles from home; and I can't go + into a restaurant and eat just by myself without being stared at. Wasn't + it lucky that I saw you when I did?” + </p> + <p> + There was really very little left for Jimmy to say, so he said it; and a + few minutes later they were seated tete-a-tete in one of Chicago's most + fashionable restaurants, and Zoie the unconscious flirt was looking up at + Jimmy with apparently adoring eyes, and suggesting all the eatables which + he particularly abominated. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had the unfortunate man acquiesced in one thing and communicated + Zoie's wish to the waiter, than the flighty young person found something + else on the menu that she considered more tempting to her palate. Time and + again the waiter had to be recalled and the order had to be given over + until Jimmy felt himself laying up a store of nervous indigestion that + would doubtless last him for days. + </p> + <p> + When the coveted food at last arrived, Zoie had become completely + engrossed in the headgear of one of her neighbours, and it was only after + Jimmy had been induced to make himself ridiculous by craning his neck to + see things of no possible interest to him that Zoie at last gave her + attention to her plate. + </p> + <p> + In obeyance of Jimmy's order the waiter managed to rush the lunch through + within three-quarters of an hour; but when Jimmy and Zoie at length rose + to go he was so insanely irritated, that he declared they had been in the + place for hours; demanded that the waiter hurry his bill; and then finally + departed in high dudgeon without leaving the customary “tip” behind him. + </p> + <p> + But all this was without its effect upon Zoie, who, a few moments later + rode away in her taxi, waving gaily to Jimmy who was now late for business + and thoroughly at odds with himself and the world. + </p> + <p> + As a result of the time lost at luncheon Jimmy missed an appointment that + had to wait over until after office hours, and as a result of this + postponement, he missed Aggie, who went to a friend's house for dinner, + leaving word for him to follow. For the first time in his life, Jimmy + disobeyed Aggie's orders, and, later on, when he “trundled off to bed” + alone, he again recalled that it was Zoie Hardy who was always causing + hard feeling between him and his spouse. + </p> + <p> + Some hours later, when Aggie reached home with misgivings because Jimmy + had not joined her, she was surprised to find him sleeping as peacefully + as a cherub. “Poor dear,” she murmured, “I hope he wasn't lonesome.” And + she stole away to her room. + </p> + <p> + The next morning when Aggie did not appear at the breakfast table, Jimmy + rushed to her room in genuine alarm. It was now Aggie's turn to sleep + peacefully; and he stole dejectedly back to the dining-room and for the + first time since their marriage, he munched his cold toast and sipped his + coffee alone. + </p> + <p> + So thoroughly was his life now disorganised, and so low were his spirits + that he determined to walk to his office, relying upon the crisp morning + air to brace him for the day's encounters. By degrees, he regained his + good cheer and as usual when in rising spirits, his mind turned toward + Aggie. The second anniversary of their wedding was fast approaching—he + began to take notice of various window displays. By the time he had + reached his office, the weightiest decision on his mind lay in choosing + between a pearl pendant and a diamond bracelet for his now adorable + spouse. + </p> + <p> + But a more difficult problem awaited him. Before he was fairly in his + chair, the telephone bell rang violently. Never guessing who was at the + other end of the wire, he picked up his receiver and answered. + </p> + <p> + “What?” he exclaimed in surprise. “Mrs. Hardy?” Several times he opened + his lips to ask a question, but it was apparent that the person at the + other end of the line had a great deal to say and very little time to say + it, and it was only after repeated attempts that he managed to get in a + word or so edgewise. + </p> + <p> + “What's happened?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Say nothing to anybody,” was Zoie's noncommittal answer, “not even to + Aggie. Jump in a taxi and come as quickly as you can.” + </p> + <p> + “But what IS it?” persisted Jimmy. The dull sound of the wire told him + that the person at the other end had “hung up.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy gazed about the room in perplexity. What was he to do? Why on earth + should he leave his letters unanswered and his mail topsy turvy to rush + forth in the shank of the morning at the bidding of a young woman whom he + abhorred. Ridiculous! He would do no such thing. He lit a cigar and began + to open a few letters marked “private.” For the life of him he could not + understand one word that he read. A worried look crossed his face. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose Zoie were really in need of help, Aggie would certainly never + forgive him if he failed her.” He rose and walked up and down. + </p> + <p> + “Why was he not to tell Aggie?” + </p> + <p> + “Where was Alfred?” He stopped abruptly. His over excited imagination had + suggested a horrible but no doubt accurate answer. “Wedded to an + abomination like Zoie, Alfred had sought the only escape possible to a man + of his honourable ideals—he had committed suicide.” + </p> + <p> + Seizing his coat and hat Jimmy dashed through the outer office without + instructing his astonished staff as to when he might possibly return. + </p> + <p> + “Family troubles,” said the secretary to himself as he appropriated one of + Jimmy's best cigars. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + LESS than half an hour later, Jimmy's taxi stopped in front of the + fashionable Sherwood Apartments where Zoie had elected to live. Ascending + toward the fifth floor he scanned the face of the elevator boy expecting + to find it particularly solemn because of the tragedy that had doubtless + taken place upstairs. He was on the point of sending out a “feeler” about + the matter, when he remembered Zoie's solemn injunction to “say nothing to + anybody.” Perhaps it was even worse than suicide. He dared let his + imagination go no further. By the time he had put out his hand to touch + the electric button at Zoie's front door, his finger was trembling so that + he wondered whether he could hit the mark. The result was a very faint + note from the bell, but not so faint that it escaped the ear of the + anxious young wife, who had been pacing up and down the floor of her + charming living room for what seemed to her ages. + </p> + <p> + “Hurry, hurry, hurry!” Zoie cried through her tears to her neat little + maid servant, then reaching for her chatelaine, she daubed her small nose + and flushed cheeks with powder, after which she nodded to Mary to open the + door. + </p> + <p> + To Jimmy, the maid's pert “good-morning” seemed to be in very bad taste + and to properly reprove her he assumed a grave, dignified air out of which + he was promptly startled by Zoie's even more unseemly greeting. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Jimmy!” she snapped. Her tone was certainly not that of a + heart-broken widow. “It's TIME you got here,” she added with an injured + air. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy gazed at Zoie in astonishment. She was never what he would have + called a sympathetic woman, but really——! + </p> + <p> + “I came the moment you 'phoned me,” he stammered; “what is it? What's the + matter?” + </p> + <p> + “It's awful,” sniffled Zoie. And she tore up and down the room regardless + of the fact that Jimmy was still unseated. + </p> + <p> + “Awful what?” questioned Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Worst I've ever had,” sobbed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Is anything wrong with Alfred?” ventured Jimmy. And he braced himself for + her answer. + </p> + <p> + “He's gone,” sobbed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Gone!” echoed Jimmy, feeling sure that his worst fears were about to be + realised. “Gone where?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” sniffled Zoie, “I just 'phoned his office. He isn't + there.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, is that all?” answered Jimmy, with a sigh of relief. “Just another + little family tiff,” he was unable to conceal a feeling of thankfulness. + “What's up?” + </p> + <p> + Zoie measured Jimmy with a dangerous gleam in her eyes. She resented the + patronising tone that he was adopting. How dare he be cheerful when she + was so unhappy—and because of him, too? She determined that his + self-complacency should be short-lived. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred has found out that I lied about the luncheon,” she said, weighing + her words and their effect upon Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “What luncheon?” stuttered Jimmy, feeling sure that Zoie had suddenly + marked him for her victim, but puzzled as to what form her persecution was + about to take. + </p> + <p> + “What luncheon?” repeated Zoie, trying apparently to conceal her disgust + at his dulness. “OUR luncheon yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you LIE,” asked Jimmy, his eyes growing rounder and rounder with + wonder. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know he KNEW,” answered Zoie innocently. + </p> + <p> + “Knew what?” questioned Jimmy, more and more befogged. + </p> + <p> + “That I'd eaten with a man,” concluded Zoie impatiently. Then she turned + her back upon Jimmy and again dashed up and down the room occupied with + her own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + It was certainly difficult to get much understanding out of Zoie's + disjointed observations, but Jimmy was doing his best. He followed her + restless movements about the room with his eyes, and then ventured a timid + comment. + </p> + <p> + “He couldn't object to your eating with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, couldn't he?” cried Zoie, and she turned upon him with a look of + contempt. “If there's anything that he DOESN'T object to,” she continued, + “I haven't found it out yet.” And with that she threw herself in a large + arm chair near the table, and left Jimmy to draw his own conclusions. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy looked about the room as though expecting aid from some unseen + source; then his eyes sought the floor. Eventually they crept to the tip + of Zoie's tiny slipper as it beat a nervous tattoo on the rug. To save his + immortal soul, Jimmy could never help being hypnotised by Zoie's small + feet. He wondered now if they had been the reason of Alfred's first + downfall. He recalled with a sigh of relief that Aggie's feet were large + and reassuring. He also recalled an appropriate quotation: “The path of + virtue is not for women with small feet,” it ran. “Yes, Aggie's feet are + undoubtedly large,” he concluded. But all this was not solving Zoie's + immediate problem; and an impatient cough from her made him realise that + something was expected of him. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you lunch with me,” he asked, with a touch of irritation, “if you + thought he wouldn't like it?” + </p> + <p> + “I was hungry,” snapped Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” grunted Jimmy, and in spite of his dislike of the small creature his + vanity resented the bald assertion that she had not lunched with him for + his company's sake. + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't have made an engagement with you of course,” she continued, + with a frankness that vanquished any remaining conceit that Jimmy might + have brought with him. “I explained to you how it was at the time. It was + merely a case of convenience. You know that.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy was beginning to see it more and more in the light of an + inconvenience. + </p> + <p> + “If you hadn't been in front of that horrid old restaurant just when I was + passing,” she continued, “all this would never have happened. But you were + there, and you asked me to come in and have a bite with you; and I did, + and there you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there I am,” assented Jimmy dismally. There was no doubt about where + he was now, but where was he going to end? That was the question. “See + here,” he exclaimed with fast growing uneasiness, “I don't like being + mixed up in this sort of thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you'd think of yourself first,” sneered Zoie. “That's just like + a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't want to get your husband down on me,” argued Jimmy + evasively. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I didn't give YOU away,” sneered Zoie. “YOU needn't worry,” and she + fixed her eyes upon him with a scornful expression that left no doubt as + to her opinion that he was a craven coward. + </p> + <p> + “But you said he'd 'found out,'” stammered Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “He's found out that I ate with a MAN,” answered Zoie, more and more + aggrieved at having to employ so much detail in the midst of her distress. + “He doesn't know it was you.” + </p> + <p> + “But Zoie——” protested Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + She lifted a small hand, begging him to spare her further questions. It + was apparent that she must explain each aspect of their present + difficulty, with as much patience as though Jimmy were in reality only a + child. She sank into her chair and then proceeded, with a martyred air. + </p> + <p> + “You see it was like this,” she said. “Alfred came into the restaurant + just after we had gone out and Henri, the waiter who has taken care of him + for years, told him that I had just been in to luncheon with a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy shifted about on the edge of his chair, ill at ease. + </p> + <p> + “Now if Alfred had only told me that in the first place,” she continued, + “I'd have known what to say, but he didn't. Oh no, he was as sweet as + could be all through breakfast and last night too, and then just as he was + leaving this morning, I said something about luncheon and he said, quite + casually, 'Where did you have luncheon YESTERDAY, my dear?' So I answered + quite carelessly, 'I had none, my love.' Well, I wish you could have seen + him. He called me dreadful things. He says I'm the one thing he can't + endure.” + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” questioned Jimmy, wondering how Alfred could confine + himself to any “ONE thing.” + </p> + <p> + “He says I'm a liar!” shrieked Zoie tearfully. + </p> + <p> + “Well, aren't you?” asked Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am,” declared Zoie; “but why shouldn't I be?” She looked at + Jimmy with such an air of self-approval that for the life of him he could + find no reason to offer. “You know how jealous Alfred is,” she continued. + “He makes such a fuss about the slightest thing that I've got out of the + habit of EVER telling the TRUTH.” She walked away from Jimmy as though + dismissing the entire matter; he shifted his position uneasily; she turned + to him again with mock sweetness. “I suppose YOU told AGGIE all about it?” + she said. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's round eyes opened wide and his jaw dropped lower. “I—I—don't + believe I did,” he stammered weakly. “I didn't think of it again.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank heaven for that!” concluded Zoie with tightly pressed lips. Then + she knotted her small white brow in deep thought. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy regarded her with growing uneasiness. “What are you up to now?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know yet,” mused Zoie, “BUT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TELL AGGIE—that's + ONE SURE thing.” And she pinned him down with her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I certainly will tell her,” asserted Jimmy, with a wag of his very round + head. “Aggie is just the one to get you out of this.” + </p> + <p> + “She's just the one to make things worse,” said Zoie decidedly. Then + seeing Jimmy's hurt look, she continued apologetically: “Aggie MEANS all + right, but she has an absolute mania for mixing up in other people's + troubles. And you know how THAT always ends.” + </p> + <p> + “I never deceived my wife in all my life,” declared Jimmy, with an air of + self approval that he was far from feeling. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Jimmy,” protested Zoie impatiently, “you aren't going to have moral + hydrophobia just when I need your help!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going to lie to Aggie, if that's what you mean,” said Jimmy, + endeavouring not to wriggle under Zoie's disapproving gaze. + </p> + <p> + “Then don't,” answered Zoie sweetly. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy never feared Zoie more than when she APPEARED to agree with him. He + looked at her now with uneasy distrust. + </p> + <p> + “Tell her the truth,” urged Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “I will,” declared Jimmy with an emphatic nod. + </p> + <p> + “And I'LL DENY IT,” concluded Zoie with an impudent toss of her head. + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Jimmy, and he felt himself getting onto his feet. + </p> + <p> + “I've already denied it to Alfred,” continued Zoie. “I told him I'd never + been in that restaurant without him in all my life, that the waiter had + mistaken someone else for me.” And again she turned her back upon Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “But don't you see,” protested Jimmy, “this would all be so very much + simpler if you'd just own up to the truth now, before it's too late?” + </p> + <p> + “It IS too late,” declared Zoie. “Alfred wouldn't believe me now, whatever + I told him. He says a woman who lies once lies all the time. He'd think + I'd been carrying on with you ALL ALONG.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord!” groaned Jimmy as the full realisation of his predicament + thrust itself upon him. + </p> + <p> + “We don't DARE tell him now,” continued Zoie, elated by the demoralised + state to which she was fast reducing him. “For Heaven's sake, don't make + it any worse,” she concluded; “it's bad enough as it is.” + </p> + <p> + “It certainly is,” agreed Jimmy, and he sank dejectedly into his chair. + </p> + <p> + “If you DO tell him,” threatened Zoie from the opposite side of the table, + “I'll say you ENTICED me into the place.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” shrieked Jimmy and again he found himself on his feet. + </p> + <p> + “I will,” insisted Zoie, “I give you fair warning.” + </p> + <p> + He stared at her in absolute horror. “I don't believe you've any + conscience at all,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't,” she sniffled. “I'm too miserable.” And throwing herself into + the nearest armchair she wept copiously at the thought of her many + injuries. + </p> + <p> + Uncertain whether to fly or to remain, Jimmy gazed at her gloomily. “Well, + I'M not laughing myself to death,” he said. + </p> + <p> + For answer Zoie turned upon him vehemently. “I just wish I'd never laid + eyes on you, Jimmy,” she cried. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy was wishing the very same thing. + </p> + <p> + “If I cared about you,” she sobbed, “it wouldn't be so bad; but to think + of losing my Alfred for——” words failed her and she trailed + off weakly,—“for nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks,” grunted Jimmy curtly. In spite of himself he was always miffed + by the uncomplimentary way in which she disposed of him. + </p> + <p> + His sarcasm was lost upon Zoie. Having finished all she had to say to him, + she was now apparently bent upon indulging herself in a first class fit of + hysterics. + </p> + <p> + There are critical moments in all of our lives when our future happiness + or woe hangs upon our own decision. Jimmy felt intuitively that he was + face to face with such a moment, but which way to turn? that was the + question. Being Jimmy, and soft-hearted in spite of his efforts to conceal + it, he naturally turned the wrong way, in other words, towards Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, come now,” he said awkwardly, as he crossed to the arm of her chair. + “This will soon blow over.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie only sobbed the louder. + </p> + <p> + “This isn't the first time you and Alfred have called it all off,” he + reminded her. + </p> + <p> + Again she sobbed. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy could never remember quite how it happened. But apparently he must + have patted Zoie on the shoulder. At any rate, something or other loosened + the flood-gates of her emotion, and before Jimmy could possibly escape + from her vicinity she had wheeled round in her chair, thrown her arms + about him, and buried her tear-stained face against his waist-coat. + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord!” exclaimed Jimmy, for the third time that morning, as he + glanced nervously toward the door; but Zoie was exclaiming in her own way + and sobbing louder and louder; furthermore she was compelling Jimmy to + listen to an exaggerated account of her many disappointments in her + unreasonable husband. Seeing no possibility of escape, without resorting + to physical violence, Jimmy stood his ground, wondering what to expect + next. He did not have long to wonder. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <p> + WITHIN an hour from the time Alfred had entered his office that morning he + was leaving it, in a taxi, with his faithful secretary at his side, and + his important papers in a bag at his feet. “Take me to the Sherwood,” he + commanded the driver, “and be quick.” + </p> + <p> + As they neared Alfred's house, Johnson could feel waves of increasing + anger circling around his perturbed young employer and later when they + alighted from the taxi it was with the greatest difficulty that he could + keep pace with him. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately for Jimmy, the outer door of the Hardy apartment had been + left ajar, and thus it was that he was suddenly startled from Zoie's + unwelcome embraces by a sharp exclamation. + </p> + <p> + “So!” cried Alfred, and he brought his fist down with emphasis on the + centre table at Jimmy's back. + </p> + <p> + Wheeling about, Jimmy beheld his friend face to face with him. Alfred's + lips were pressed tightly together, his eyes flashing fire. It was + apparent that he desired an immediate explanation. Jimmy turned to the + place where Zoie had been, to ask for help; like the traitress that she + was, he now saw her flying through her bedroom door. Again he glanced at + Alfred, who was standing like a sentry, waiting for the pass-word that + should restore his confidence in his friend. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I've disturbed you,” sneered Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, not at all,” answered Jimmy, affecting a careless indifference + that he did not feel and unconsciously shaking hands with the waiting + secretary. + </p> + <p> + Reminded of the secretary's presence in such a distinctly family scene, + Alfred turned to him with annoyance. + </p> + <p> + “Go into my study,” he said. “I'll be with you presently. Here's your + list,” he added and he thrust a long memorandum into the secretary's hand. + Johnson retired as unobtrusively as possible and the two old friends were + left alone. There was another embarrassed silence which Jimmy, at least, + seemed powerless to break. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” questioned Alfred in a threatening tone. + </p> + <p> + “Tolerably well,” answered Jimmy in his most pleasant but slightly nervous + manner. Then followed another pause in which Alfred continued to eye his + old friend with grave suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “The fact is,” stammered Jimmy, “I just came over to bring Aggie——” + he corrected himself—“that is, to bring Zoie a little message from + Aggie.” + </p> + <p> + “It seemed to be a SAD one,” answered Alfred, with a sarcastic smile, as + he recalled the picture of Zoie weeping upon his friend's sleeve. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no—no!” answered Jimmy, with an elaborate attempt at + carelessness. + </p> + <p> + “Do you generally play the messenger during business hours?” thundered + Alfred, becoming more and more enraged at Jimmy's petty evasions. + </p> + <p> + “Just SOMETIMES,” answered Jimmy, persisting in his amiable manner. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy,” said Alfred, and there was a solemn warning in his voice, “don't + YOU lie to me!” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy started as though shot. The consciousness of his guilt was strong + upon him. “I beg your pardon,” he gasped, for the want of anything more + intelligent to say. + </p> + <p> + “You don't do it well,” continued Alfred, “and you and I are old friends.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's round eyes fixed themselves on the carpet. + </p> + <p> + “My wife has been telling you her troubles,” surmised Alfred. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy tried to protest, but the lie would not come. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” continued Alfred, “I'll tell you something too. I've done + with her.” He thrust his hands in his pockets and began to walk up and + down. + </p> + <p> + “What a turbulent household,” thought Jimmy and then he set out in pursuit + of his friend. “I'm sorry you've had a misunderstanding,” he began. + </p> + <p> + “Misunderstanding!” shouted Alfred, turning upon him so sharply that he + nearly tripped him up, “we've never had anything else. There was never + anything else for us TO have. She's lied up hill and down dale from the + first time she clinched her baby fingers around my hand—” he + imitated Zoie's dainty manner—“and said 'pleased to meet you!' But + I've caught her with the goods this time,” he shouted, “and I've just + about got HIM.” + </p> + <p> + “Him!” echoed Jimmy weakly. + </p> + <p> + “The wife-stealer,” exclaimed Alfred, and he clinched his fists in + anticipation of the justice he would one day mete out to the despicable + creature. + </p> + <p> + Now Jimmy had been called many things in his time, he realised that he + would doubtless be called many more things in the future, but never by the + wildest stretch of imagination, had he ever conceived of himself in the + role of “wife-stealer.” + </p> + <p> + Mistaking Jimmy's look of amazement for one of incredulity, Alfred + endeavoured to convince him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, YOU'LL meet a wife-stealer sooner or later,” he assured him. “You + needn't look so horrified.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy only stared at him and he continued excitedly: “She's had the + effrontery—the bad taste—the idiocy to lunch in a public + restaurant with the blackguard.” + </p> + <p> + The mere sound of the word made Jimmy shudder, but engrossed in his own + troubles Alfred continued without heeding him. + </p> + <p> + “Henri, the head-waiter, told me,” explained Alfred, and Jimmy remembered + guiltily that he had been very bumptious with the fellow. “You know the + place,” continued Alfred, “the LaSalle—a restaurant where I am known—where + she is known—where my best friends dine—where Henri has looked + after me for years. That shows how desperate she is. She must be mad about + the fool. She's lost all sense of decency.” And again Alfred paced the + floor. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I wouldn't go as far as that,” stammered Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, wouldn't you?” cried Alfred, again turning so abruptly that Jimmy + caught his breath. Each word of Jimmy's was apparently goading him on to + greater anger. + </p> + <p> + “Now don't get hasty,” Jimmy almost pleaded. “The whole thing is no doubt + perfectly innocent. Talk to her gently. Win her confidence. Get her to + tell you the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “The truth!” shouted Alfred in derision. “Zoie! The truth!” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy feared that his young friend might actually become violent. Alfred + bore down upon him like a maniac. + </p> + <p> + “The truth!” he repeated wildly. “She wouldn't know the truth if she saw + it under a microscope. She's the most unconscionable little liar that ever + lured a man to the altar.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy rolled his round eyes with feigned incredulity. + </p> + <p> + “I found it out before we'd been married a month,” continued Alfred. “She + used to sit evenings facing the clock. I sat with my back to it. I used to + ask her the time. Invariably she would lie half an hour, backward or + forward, just for practice. THAT was the BEGINNING. Here, listen to some + of these,” he added, as he drew half a dozen telegrams from his inner + pocket, and motioned Jimmy to sit at the opposite side of the table. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy would have preferred to stand, but it was not a propitious time to + consult his own preferences. He allowed himself to be bullied into the + chair that Alfred suggested. + </p> + <p> + Throwing himself into the opposite chair, Alfred selected various exhibits + from his collection of messages. “I just brought these up from the + office,” he said. “These are some of the telegrams that she sent me each + day last week while I was away. This is Monday's.” And he proceeded to + read with a sneering imitation of Zoie's cloy sweetness. + </p> + <p> + “'Darling, so lonesome without you. Cried all day. When are you coming + home to your wee sad wifie? Love and kisses. Zoie.'” Tearing the + defenceless telegram into bits, Alfred threw it from him and waited for + his friend's verdict. + </p> + <p> + “She sent that over the wire?” gasped Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's nothing,” answered Alfred. “That's a mild one.” And he + selected another from the same pocket. “Here, listen to this. This is what + she REALLY did. This is from my secretary the same night.” + </p> + <p> + “You spied upon her!” asked Jimmy, feeling more and more convinced that + his own deceptions would certainly be run to earth. + </p> + <p> + “I HAVE to spy upon her,” answered Alfred, “in self-defence. It's the only + way I can keep her from making me utterly ridiculous.” And he proceeded to + read from the secretary's telegram. “'Shopped all morning. Lunched at + Martingale's with man and woman unknown to me—Martingale's,'” he + repeated with a sneer—“'Motored through Park with Mrs. Wilmer until + five.' Mrs. Wilmer,” he exclaimed, “there's a woman I've positively + forbidden her to speak to.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy only shook his head and Alfred continued to read. + </p> + <p> + “'Had tea with Mr. and Mrs. Thompson and young Ardesley at the Park View.' + Ardesley is a young cub,” explained Alfred, “who spends his time running + around with married women while their husbands are away trying to make a + living for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Shocking!” was the extent of Jimmy's comment, and Alfred resumed reading. + </p> + <p> + “'Dinner and theatre same party. Supper at Wellingford. Home two A. M.'” + He looked at Jimmy, expecting to hear Zoie bitterly condemned. Jimmy only + stared at him blankly. “That's pretty good,” commented Alfred, “for the + woman who 'CRIED' all day, isn't it?” + </p> + <p> + Still Jimmy made no answer, and Alfred brought his fist down upon the + table impatiently. “Isn't it?” he repeated. + </p> + <p> + “She was a bit busy THAT day,” admitted Jimmy uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “The truth!” cried Alfred again, as he rose and paced about excitedly. + “Getting the truth out of Zoie is like going to a fire in the night. You + think it's near, but you never get there. And when she begins by saying + that she's going to tell you the 'REAL truth'”—he threw up his hands + in despair—“well, then it's time to leave home.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <p> + There was another pause, then Alfred drew in his breath and bore down upon + Jimmy with fresh vehemence. “The only time I get even a semblance of truth + out of Zoie,” he cried, “is when I catch her red-handed.” Again he pounded + the table and again Jimmy winced. “And even then,” he continued, “she + colours it so with her affected innocence and her plea about just wishing + to be a 'good fellow,' that she almost makes me doubt my own eyes. She is + an artist,” he declared with a touch of enforced admiration. “There's no + use talking; that woman is an artist.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” asked Jimmy, for the want of anything better + to say. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to leave her,” declared Alfred emphatically. “I am going + away.” + </p> + <p> + A faint hope lit Jimmy's round childlike face. With Alfred away there + would be no further investigation of the luncheon incident. + </p> + <p> + “That might be a good idea,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “It's THE idea,” said Alfred; “most of my business is in Detroit anyhow. + I'm going to make that my headquarters and stay there.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy was almost smiling. + </p> + <p> + “As for Zoie,” continued Alfred, “she can stay right here and go as far as + she likes.” + </p> + <p> + “Not with me,” thought Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “But,” shrieked Alfred, with renewed emphasis, “I'm going to find out who + the FELLOW is. I'll have THAT satisfaction!” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's spirits fell. + </p> + <p> + “Henri knows the head-waiter of every restaurant in this town,” said + Alfred, “that is, every one where she'd be likely to go; and he says he'd + recognise the man she lunched with if he saw him again.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's features became suddenly distorted. + </p> + <p> + “The minute she appears anywhere with anybody,” explained Alfred, “Henri + will be notified by 'phone. He'll identify the man and then he'll wire + me.” + </p> + <p> + “What good will that do?” asked Jimmy weakly. + </p> + <p> + “I'll take the first train home,” declared Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “For what?” questioned Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “To shoot him!” exclaimed Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “What!” gasped Jimmy, almost losing his footing. + </p> + <p> + Alfred mistook Jimmy's concern for anxiety on his behalf. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'll be acquitted,” he declared. “Don't you worry. I'll get my tale + of woe before the jury.” + </p> + <p> + “But I say,” protested Jimmy, too uneasy to longer conceal his real + emotions, “why kill this one particular chap when there are so many + others?” + </p> + <p> + “He's the only one she's ever lunched with, ALONE,” said Alfred. “She's + been giddy, but at least she's always been chaperoned, except with him. + He's the one all right; there's no doubt about it. He's the beginning of + the end.” + </p> + <p> + “His own end, yes,” assented Jimmy half to himself. “Now, see here, old + man,” he argued, “I'd give that poor devil a chance to explain.” + </p> + <p> + “Explain!” shouted Alfred so sharply that Jimmy quickly retreated. “I + wouldn't believe him now if he were one of the Twelve Apostles.” + </p> + <p> + “That's tough,” murmured Jimmy as he saw the last avenue of honourable + escape closed to him. + </p> + <p> + “Tough!” roared Alfred, thinking of himself. “Hah.” + </p> + <p> + “On the Apostles, I mean,” explained Jimmy nervously. + </p> + <p> + Again Alfred paced up and down the room, and again Jimmy tried to think of + some way to escape from his present difficulty. It was quite apparent that + his only hope lay not in his own candor, but in Alfred's absence. “How + long do you expect to be away?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Only until I hear from Henri,” said Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Henri?” repeated Jimmy and again a gleam of hope shone on his dull + features. He had heard that waiters were often to be bribed. “Nice fellow, + Henri,” he ventured cautiously. “Gets a large salary, no doubt?” + </p> + <p> + “Does he!” exclaimed Alfred, with a certain pride of proprietorship. “No + tips could touch Henri, no indeed. He's not that sort of a person.” + </p> + <p> + Again the hope faded from Jimmy's round face. + </p> + <p> + “I look upon Henri as my friend,” continued Alfred enthusiastically. “He + speaks every language known to man. He's been in every country in the + world. HENRI UNDERSTANDS LIFE.” + </p> + <p> + “LOTS of people UNDERSTAND LIFE,” commented Jimmy dismally, “but SOME + people don't APPRECIATE it. They value it too lightly, to MY way of + thinking.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but you have something to live for,” argued Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “I have indeed; a great deal,” agreed Jimmy, more and more abused at the + thought of what he was about to lose. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that's different,” exclaimed Alfred. “But what have <i>I</i>?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy was in no frame of mind to consider his young friend's assets, he + was thinking of his own difficulties. + </p> + <p> + “I'm a laughing stock,” shouted Alfred. “I know it. A 'good thing' who + gives his wife everything she asks for, while she is running around with—with + my best friend, for all I know.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no,” protested Jimmy nervously. “I wouldn't say that.” + </p> + <p> + “Even if she weren't running around,” continued Alfred excitedly, without + heeding his friend's interruption, “what have we to look forward to? What + have we to look backward to?” + </p> + <p> + Again Jimmy's face was a blank. + </p> + <p> + Alfred answered his own question by lifting his arms tragically toward + Heaven. “One eternal round of wrangles and rows! A childless home! Do you + think she wants babies?” he cried, wheeling about on Jimmy, and daring him + to answer in the affirmative. “Oh, no!” he sneered. “All she wants is a + good time.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” mumbled Jimmy, “I can't see much in babies myself, fat, little, + red worms.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred's breath went from him in astonishment + </p> + <p> + “Weren't YOU ever a fat, little, red worm?” he hissed. “Wasn't <i>I</i> + ever a little, fat, red——” he paused in confusion, as his ear + became puzzled by the proper sequence of his adjectives, “a fat, red, + little worm,” he stammered; “and see what we are now!” He thrust out his + chest and strutted about in great pride. + </p> + <p> + “Big red worms,” admitted Jimmy gloomily. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred did not hear him. “You and I ought to have SONS on the way to + what we are,” he declared, “and better.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, better,” agreed Jimmy, thinking of his present plight. “Much + better.” + </p> + <p> + “But HAVE we?” demanded Alfred. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy glanced about the room, as though expecting an answering + demonstration from the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + “Have YOU?” persisted Alfred. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy shook his head solemnly. + </p> + <p> + “Have <i>I</i>?” asked the irate husband. + </p> + <p> + Out of sheer absent mindedness Jimmy shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + As usual Alfred answered his own question. “Oh, no!” he raged. “YOU have a + wife who spends her time and money gadding about with——” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's face showed a new alarm. + </p> + <p> + “—my wife,” concluded Alfred. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy breathed a sigh of relief. + </p> + <p> + “I have a wife,” said Alfred, “who spends her time and my money gadding + around with God knows whom. But I'll catch him!” he cried with new fury. + “Here,” he said, pulling a roll of bills from his pocket. “I'll bet you + I'll catch him. How much do you want to bet?” + </p> + <p> + Undesirous of offering any added inducements toward his own capture, Jimmy + backed away both literally and figuratively from Alfred's proposition. + </p> + <p> + “What's the use of getting so excited?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Mistaking Jimmy's unwillingness to bet for a disinclination to take + advantage of a friend's reckless mood, Alfred resented the implied insult + to his astuteness. + </p> + <p> + “You think I can't catch him?” he exclaimed. “Let's see the colour of your + money,” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + But before Jimmy could comply, an unexpected voice broke into the argument + and brought them both round with a start. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <p> + “Good Heavens,” exclaimed Aggie, who had entered the room while Alfred was + talking his loudest. “What a racket!” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes fell upon Jimmy who was teetering about uneasily just behind + Alfred. She stared at him in amazement. Was it possible that Jimmy, the + methodical, had left his office at this hour of the morning, and for what? + </p> + <p> + Avoiding the question in Aggie's eyes, Jimmy pretended to be searching for + his pocket handkerchief—but always with the vision of Aggie in her + new Fall gown and her large “picture” hat at his elbow. Never before had + she appeared so beautiful to him, so desirable—suppose he should + lose her? Life spread before him as a dreary waste. He tried to look up at + her; he could not. He feared she would read his guilt in his eyes. “What + guilt?” he asked himself. There was no longer any denying the fact—a + secret had sprung up between them. + </p> + <p> + Annoyed at receiving no greeting, Aggie continued in a rather hurt voice: + </p> + <p> + “Aren't you two going to speak to me?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred swallowed hard in an effort to regain his composure. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning,” he said curtly. + </p> + <p> + Fully convinced of a disagreement between the two old friends, Aggie + addressed herself in a reproachful tone to Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” she said, “what are you doing here this time of day?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy felt Alfred's steely eyes upon him. “Why!” he stammered. “Why, I + just came over to—bring your message.” + </p> + <p> + “My message?” repeated Aggie in perplexity. “What message?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred's eyebrows drew themselves sharply together. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy had told so many lies this morning that another more or less could + not matter; moreover, this was not a time to hesitate. + </p> + <p> + “Why, the message you sent to Zoie,” he answered boldly. + </p> + <p> + “But I sent no message to Zoie,” said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “What!” thundered Alfred, so loud that Aggie's fingers involuntarily went + to her ears. She was more and more puzzled by the odd behaviour of the + two. + </p> + <p> + “I mean yesterday's message,” corrected Jimmy. And he assumed an aggrieved + air toward Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “You villain,” exclaimed Aggie. “I told you to 'phone her yesterday + morning from the office.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know,” agreed Jimmy placidly, “but I forgot it and I just came + over to explain.” Alfred's fixed stare was relaxing and at last Jimmy + could breathe. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” murmured Aggie, with a wise little elevation of her eye-brows, “then + that's why Zoie didn't keep her luncheon appointment with me yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy felt that if this were to go on much longer, he would utter one wild + shriek and give himself up for lost; but at present he merely swallowed + with an effort, and awaited developments. + </p> + <p> + It was now Alfred's turn to become excited. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, IS it!” he cried with hysterical laughter. + </p> + <p> + Aggie regarded him with astonishment. Was this her usually self-controlled + friend? + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” sneered Alfred with unmistakable pity for her credulity. “That's + not why my wife didn't eat luncheon with you. She may TELL you that's why. + She undoubtedly will; but it's NOT why. Oh, no!” and running his hands + through his hair, Alfred tore up and down the room. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” Aggie asked in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Your dear husband Jimmy will doubtless explain,” answered Alfred with a + slur on the “dear.” Then he turned toward the door of his study. “Pray + excuse me—I'M TOO BUSY,” and with that he strode out of the room and + banged the study door behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Goodness gracious!” gasped Aggie. She looked after Alfred, then at Jimmy. + She was the picture of consternation. “What's the matter with him?” she + asked. + </p> + <p> + “Just another little family tiff,” answered Jimmy, trying to assume a + nonchalant manner. + </p> + <p> + “Not about YOU!” gasped Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Me!” cried Jimmy, his equilibrium again upset. “Certainly not!” he + declared. “What an idea!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, wasn't it?” answered Aggie. “That just shows how silly one can be. I + almost thought Alfred was going to say that Zoie had lunched with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Me?” again echoed Jimmy, and he wondered if everybody in the world had + conspired to make him the target of their attention. He caught Aggie's eye + and tried to laugh carelessly. “That would have been funny, wouldn't it?” + he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, wouldn't it,” repeated Aggie, and he thought he detected a slight + uneasiness in her voice. + </p> + <p> + “Speaking of lunch,” added Jimmy quickly, “I think, dearie, that I'll come + home for lunch in the future.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” exclaimed Aggie in great amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Those downtown places upset my digestion,” explained Jimmy quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't this very SUDDEN,” she asked, and again Jimmy fancied that there + was a shade of suspicion in her tone. + </p> + <p> + His face assumed a martyred expression. “Of course, dear,” he said, “if + you insist upon my eating downtown, I'll do it; but I thought you'd be + glad to have me at home.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie turned to him with real concern. “Why, Jimmy,” she said, “what's the + matter with you?” She took a step toward him and anxiously studied his + face. “I never heard you talk like that before. I don't think you're + well.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just what I'm telling you,” insisted Jimmy vehemently, excited + beyond all reason by receiving even this small bit of sympathy. “I'm ill,” + he declared. No sooner had he made the declaration than he began to + believe in it. His doleful countenance increased Aggie's alarm. + </p> + <p> + “My angel-face,” she purred, and she took his chubby cheeks in her hands + and looked down at him fondly. “You know I ALWAYS want you to come home.” + She stooped and kissed Jimmy's pouting lips. He held up his face for more. + She smoothed the hair from his worried brow and endeavoured to cheer him. + “I'll run right home now,” she said, “and tell cook to get something nice + and tempting for you! I can see Zoie later.” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn't matter,” murmured Jimmy, as he followed her toward the door + with a doleful shake of his head. “I don't suppose I shall ever enjoy my + luncheon again—as long as I live.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” cried Aggie, “come along.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <p> + WHEN Alfred returned to the living room he was followed by his secretary, + who carried two well-filled satchels. His temper was not improved by the + discovery that he had left certain important papers at his office. + Dispatching his man to get them and to meet him at the station with them, + he collected a few remaining letters from the drawer of the writing table, + then uneasy at remaining longer under the same roof with Zoie, he picked + up his hat, and started toward the hallway. For the first time his eye was + attracted by a thick layer of dust and lint on his coat sleeve. Worse + still, there was a smudge on his cuff. If there was one thing more than + another that Alfred detested it was untidiness. Putting his hat down with + a bang, he tried to flick the dust from his sleeve with his pocket + handkerchief; finding this impossible, he removed his coat and began to + shake it violently. + </p> + <p> + It was at this particular moment that Zoie's small face appeared + cautiously from behind the frame of the bedroom door. She was quick to + perceive Alfred's plight. Disappearing from view for an instant, she soon + reappeared with Alfred's favourite clothes-brush. She tiptoed into the + room. + </p> + <p> + Barely had Alfred drawn his coat on his shoulders, when he was startled by + a quick little flutter of the brush on his sleeve. He turned in surprise + and beheld Zoie, who looked up at him as penitent and irresistible as a + newly-punished child. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” snarled Alfred, and he glared at her as though he would enjoy + strangling her on the spot. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred,” pouted Zoie, and he knew she was going to add her customary + appeal of “Let's make up.” But Alfred was in no mood for nonsense. He + thrust his hands in his pockets and made straight for the outer doorway. + </p> + <p> + Smiling to herself as she saw him leaving without his hat, Zoie slipped it + quickly beneath a flounce of her skirt. No sooner had Alfred reached the + sill of the door than his hand went involuntarily to his head; he turned + to the table where he had left his hat. His face wore a puzzled look. He + glanced beneath the table, in the chair, behind the table, across the + piano, and then he began circling the room with pent up rage. He dashed + into his study and out again, he threw the chairs about with increasing + irritation, then giving up the search, he started hatless toward the + hallway. It was then that a soft babyish voice reached his ear. + </p> + <p> + “Have you lost something, dear?” cooed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Alfred hesitated. It was difficult to lower his dignity by answering her, + but he needed his headgear. “I want my hat,” he admitted shortly. + </p> + <p> + “Your hat?” repeated Zoie innocently and she glanced around the room with + mild interest. “Maybe Mary took it.” + </p> + <p> + “Mary!” cried Alfred, and thinking the mystery solved, he dashed toward + the inner hallway. + </p> + <p> + “Let ME get it, dear,” pleaded Zoie, and she laid a small detaining hand + upon his arm as he passed. + </p> + <p> + “Stop it!” commanded Alfred hotly, and he shook the small hand from his + sleeve as though it had been something poisonous. + </p> + <p> + “But Allie,” protested Zoie, pretending to be shocked and grieved. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you 'but Allie' me,” cried Alfred, turning upon her sharply. “All I + want is my hat,” and again he started in search of Mary. + </p> + <p> + “But—but—but Allie,” stammered Zoie, as she followed him. + </p> + <p> + “But—but—but,” repeated Alfred, turning on her in a fury. + “You've butted me out of everything that I wanted all my life, but you're + not going to do it again.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, you said it yourself,” laughed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Said WHAT,” roared Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “But,” tittered Zoie. + </p> + <p> + The remnants of Alfred's self-control were forsaking him. He clinched his + fists hard in a final effort toward restraint. “You'd just as well stop + all these baby tricks,” he threatened between his teeth, “they're not + going to work. THIS time my mind is made up.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why are you afraid to talk to me?” asked Zoie sweetly. + </p> + <p> + “Who said I was afraid?” demanded Alfred hotly. + </p> + <p> + “You ACT like it,” declared Zoie, with some truth on her side. “You don't + want——” she got no further. + </p> + <p> + “All I want,” interrupted Alfred, “is to get out of this house once and + for all and to stay out of it.” And again he started in pursuit of his + hat. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Allie,” she gazed at him with deep reproach. “You liked this place + so much when we first came here.” + </p> + <p> + Again Alfred picked at the lint on his coat sleeve. Edging her way toward + him cautiously she ventured to touch his sleeve with the brush. + </p> + <p> + “I'll attend to that myself,” he said curtly, and he sank into the nearest + chair to tie a refractory shoe lace. + </p> + <p> + “Let me brush you, dear,” pleaded Zoie. “I don't wish you to start out in + the world looking unbrushed,” she pouted. Then with a sly emphasis she + added teasingly, “The OTHER women might not admire you that way.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred broke his shoe string then and there. While he stooped to tie a + knot in it, Zoie managed to perch on the arm of his chair. + </p> + <p> + “You know, Allie,” she continued coaxingly, “no one could ever love you as + I do.” + </p> + <p> + Again Alfred broke his shoe lace. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Allie!” she exclaimed with a little ripple of childish laughter, “do + you remember how absurdly poor we were when we were first married, and how + you refused to take any help from your family? And do you remember that + silly old pair of black trousers that used to get so thin on the knees and + how I used to put shoe-blacking underneath so the white wouldn't show + through?” By this time her arm managed to get around his neck. + </p> + <p> + “Stop it!” shrieked Alfred as though mortal man could endure no more. + “You've used those trousers to settle every crisis in our lives.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie gazed at him without daring to breathe; even she was aghast at his + fury, but only temporarily. She recovered herself and continued sweetly: + </p> + <p> + “If everything is SETTLED,” she argued, “where's the harm in talking?” + </p> + <p> + “We've DONE with talking,” declared Alfred. “From this on, I act.” And + determined not to be cheated out of this final decision, he again started + for the hall door. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Allie!” cried Zoie in a tone of sharp alarm. + </p> + <p> + In spite of himself Alfred turned to learn the cause of her anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “You haven't got your overshoes on,” she said. + </p> + <p> + Speechless with rage, Alfred continued on his way, but Zoie moved before + him swiftly. “I'll get them for you, dear,” she volunteered graciously. + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” thundered Alfred. They were now face to face. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you wouldn't roar like that,” pouted Zoie, and the pink tips of + her fingers were thrust tight against her ears. + </p> + <p> + Alfred drew in his breath and endeavoured for the last time to repress his + indignation. “Either you can't, or you won't understand that it is + extremely unpleasant for me to even talk to you—much less to receive + your attentions.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” answered Zoie, unperturbed. “But so long as I am your + lawful wedded wife——” she emphasised the “lawful”—“I + shan't let any harm come to you, if <i>I</i> can help it.” She lifted her + eyes to heaven bidding it to bear witness to her martyrdom and looking for + all the world like a stained glass saint. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” shouted Alfred, almost hysterical at his apparent failure to + make himself understood. “You wouldn't let any harm come to me. Oh, no. + You've only made me the greatest joke in Chicago,” he shouted. “You've + only made me such a laughing stock that I have to leave it. That's all—that's + all!” + </p> + <p> + “Leave Chicago!” exclaimed Zoie incredulously. Then regaining her + self-composure, she edged her way close to him and looked up into his eyes + in baby-like wonderment. “Why, Allie, where are we going?” Her small arm + crept up toward his shoulder. Alfred pushed it from him rudely. + </p> + <p> + “WE are not going,” he asserted in a firm, measured voice. “<i>I</i> am + going. Where's my hat?” And again he started in search of his absent + headgear. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Allie!” she exclaimed, and this time there was genuine alarm in her + voice, “you wouldn't leave me?” + </p> + <p> + “Wouldn't I, though?” sneered Alfred. Before he knew it, Zoie's arms were + about him—she was pleading desperately. + </p> + <p> + “Now see here, Allie, you may call me all the names you like,” she cried + with great self-abasement, “but you shan't—you SHAN'T go away from + Chicago.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed?” answered Alfred as he shook himself free of her. “I suppose + you'd like me to go on with this cat and dog existence. You'd like me to + stay right here and pay the bills and take care of you, while you flirt + with every Tom, Dick and Harry in town.” + </p> + <p> + “It's only your horrid disposition that makes you talk like that,” + whimpered Zoie. “You know very well that I never cared for anybody but + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Until you GOT me, yes,” assented Alfred, “and NOW you care for everybody + BUT me.” She was about to object, but he continued quickly. “Where you + MEET your gentlemen friends is beyond me. <i>I</i> don't introduce them to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should say not,” agreed Zoie, and there was a touch of vindictiveness + in her voice. “The only male creature that you ever introduced to me was + the family dog.” + </p> + <p> + “I introduce every man who's fit to meet you,” declared Alfred with an air + of great pride. + </p> + <p> + “That doesn't speak very well for your acquaintances,” snipped Zoie. Even + HER temper was beginning to assert itself. + </p> + <p> + “I won't bicker like this,” declared Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “That's what you always say, when you can't think of an answer,” retorted + Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “You mean when I'm tired of answering your nonsense!” thundered Alfred. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <p> + Realising that she was rapidly losing ground by exercising her advantage + over Alfred in the matter of quick retort, Zoie, with her customary + cunning, veered round to a more conciliatory tone. “Well,” she cooed, + “suppose I DID eat lunch with a man?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” shrieked Alfred, as though he had at last run his victim to earth. + </p> + <p> + She retreated with her fingers crossed. “I only said suppose,” she + reminded him quickly. Then she continued in a tone meant to draw from him + his heart's most secret confidence. “Didn't you ever eat lunch with any + woman but me?” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” answered Alfred firmly. + </p> + <p> + There was an unmistakable expression of pleasure on Zoie's small face, but + she forced back the smile that was trying to creep round her lips, and + sidled toward Alfred, with eyes properly downcast. “Then I'm very sorry I + did it,” she said solemnly, “and I'll never do it again.” + </p> + <p> + “So!” cried Alfred with renewed indignation. “You admit it?” + </p> + <p> + “Just to please you, dear,” explained Zoie sweetly, as though she were + doing him the greatest possible favour. + </p> + <p> + “To please me?” gasped Alfred. “Do you suppose it pleases me to know that + you are carrying on the moment my back is turned, making a fool of me to + my friends?” + </p> + <p> + “Your friends?” cried Zoie with a sneer. This time it was her turn to be + angry. “So! It's your FRIENDS that are worrying you!” In her excitement + she tossed Alfred's now damaged hat into the chair just behind her. He was + far too overwrought to see it. “<i>I</i> haven't done you any harm,” she + continued wildly. “It's only what you think your friends think.” + </p> + <p> + “You haven't done me any harm?” repeated Alfred, in her same tragic key, + “Oh no! Oh no! You've only cheated me out of everything I expected to get + out of life! That's all!” + </p> + <p> + Zoie came to a full stop and waited for him to enumerate the various + treasures that he had lost by marrying her. He did so. + </p> + <p> + “Before we were married,” he continued, “you pretended to adore children. + You started your humbugging the first day I met you. I refer to little + Willie Peck.” + </p> + <p> + A hysterical giggle very nearly betrayed her. Alfred continued: + </p> + <p> + “I was fool enough to let you know that I admire women who like children. + From that day until the hour that I led you to the altar, you'd fondle the + ugliest little brats that we met in the street, but the moment you GOT me——” + </p> + <p> + “Alfred!” gasped Zoie. This was really going too far. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I repeat it!” shouted Alfred, pounding the table with his fist for + emphasis. “The moment you GOT me, you declared that all children were + horrid little insects, and that someone ought to sprinkle bug-powder on + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” protested Zoie, shocked less by Alfred's interpretation of her + sentiments, than by the vulgarity with which he expressed them. + </p> + <p> + “On another occasion,” declared Alfred, now carried away by the recital of + his long pent up wrongs, “you told me that all babies should be put in + cages, shipped West, and kept in pens until they got to be of an + interesting age. 'Interesting age!'” he repeated with a sneer, “meaning + old enough to take YOU out to luncheon, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “I never said any such thing,” objected Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that was the idea,” insisted Alfred. “I haven't your glib way of + expressing myself.” + </p> + <p> + “You manage to express yourself very well,” retorted Zoie. “When you have + anything DISAGREEABLE to say. As for babies,” she continued tentatively, + “I think they are all very well in their PLACE, but they were NEVER meant + for an APARTMENT.” + </p> + <p> + “I offered you a house in the country,” shouted Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “The country!” echoed Zoie. “How could I live in the country, with people + being murdered in their beds every night? Read the papers.” + </p> + <p> + “Always an excuse,” sighed Alfred resignedly. “There always HAS been and + there always would be if I'd stay to listen. Well, for once,” he declared, + “I'm glad that we have no children. If we had, I might feel some + obligation to keep up this farce of a marriage. As it is,” he continued, + “YOU are free and <i>I</i> am free.” And with a courtly wave of his arm, + he dismissed Zoie and the entire subject, and again he started in pursuit + of Mary and his hat. + </p> + <p> + “If it's your freedom you wish,” pouted Zoie with an abused air, “you + might have said so in the first place.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred stopped in sheer amazement at the cleverness with which the little + minx turned his every statement against him. + </p> + <p> + “It's not very manly of you,” she continued, “to abuse me just because + you've found someone whom you like better.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not true,” protested Alfred hotly, “and you know it's not true.” + Little did he suspect the trap into which she was leading him. + </p> + <p> + “Then you DON'T love anybody more than you do me?” she cried eagerly, and + she gazed up at him with adoring eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't say any such thing,” hedged Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Then you DO,” she accused him. + </p> + <p> + “I DON'T,” he declared in self defence. + </p> + <p> + With a cry of joy, she sprang into his arms, clasped her fingers tightly + behind his neck, and rained impulsive kisses upon his unsuspecting face. + </p> + <p> + For an instant, Alfred looked down at Zoie, undecided whether to strangle + her or to return her embraces. As usual, his self-respect won the day for + him and, with a determined effort, he lifted her high in the air, so that + she lost her tenacious hold of him, and sat her down with a thud in the + very same chair in which she had lately dropped his hat. Having acted with + this admirable resolution, he strode majestically toward the inner hall, + but before he could reach it, Zoie was again on her feet, in a last vain + effort to conciliate him. Turning, Alfred caught sight of his poor + battered hat. This was the final spur to action. Snatching it up with one + hand, and throwing his latchkey on the table with the other, he made + determinedly for the outer door. + </p> + <p> + Screaming hysterically, Zoie caught him just as he reached the threshold + and threw the whole weight of her body upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred,” she pleaded, “if you REALLY love me, you CAN'T leave me like + this!” Her emotion was now genuine. He looked down at her gravely—then + into the future. + </p> + <p> + “There are other things more important than what YOU call 'love,'” he + said, very solemnly. + </p> + <p> + “There is such a thing as a soul, if you only knew it. And you have hurt + mine through and through.” + </p> + <p> + “But how, Alfred, how?” asked the small person, and there was a frown of + genuine perplexity on her tiny puckered brow. “What have I REALLY DONE,” + She stroked his hand fondly; her baby eyes searched his face. + </p> + <p> + “It isn't so much what people DO to us that counts,” answered Alfred in a + proud hurt voice. “It's how much they DISAPPOINT us in what they do. I + expected better of YOU,” he said sadly. + </p> + <p> + “I'll DO better,” coaxed Zoie, “if you'll only give me a chance.” + </p> + <p> + He was half inclined to believe her. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Allie,” she pleaded, perceiving that his resentment was dying and + resolved to, at last, adopt a straight course, “if you'll only listen, + I'll tell you the REAL TRUTH.” + </p> + <p> + Unprepared for the electrical effect of her remark, Zoie found herself + staggering to keep her feet. She gazed at Alfred in amazement. His arms + were lifted to Heaven, his breath was coming fast. + </p> + <p> + “'The REAL TRUTH!'” he gasped, then bringing his crushed hat down on his + forehead with a resounding whack, he rushed from her sight. + </p> + <p> + The clang of the closing elevator door brought Zoie to a realisation of + what had actually happened. Determined that Alfred should not escape her + she rushed to the hall door and called to him wildly. There was no answer. + Running back to the room, she threw open the window and threw herself half + out of it. She was just in time to see Alfred climb into a passing taxi. + “Alfred!” she cried. Then automatically she flew to the 'phone. “Give me + 4302 Main,” she called and she tried to force back her tears. “Is this + Hardy & Company?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is Mrs. Hardy,” she explained. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you'd ring me up the moment my husband comes in.” There was a + slight pause, then she clutched the receiver harder. “Not COMING back?” + she gasped. “Gone!—to Detroit?” A short moan escaped her lips. She + let the receiver fall back on the hook and her head went forward on her + outstretched arms. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <p> + When Jimmy came home to luncheon that day, Aggie succeeded in getting a + general idea of the state of affairs in the Hardy household. Of course + Jimmy didn't tell the whole truth. Oh, no—far from it. In fact, he + appeared to be aggravatingly ignorant as to the exact cause of the Hardy + upheaval. Of ONE thing, however, he was certain. “Alfred was going to quit + Chicago and leave Zoie to her own devices.” + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” cried Aggie. “How awful!” and before Jimmy was fairly out of the + front gate, she had seized her hat and gloves and rushed to the rescue of + her friend. + </p> + <p> + Not surprised at finding Zoie in a state of collapse, Aggie opened her + arms sympathetically to receive the weeping confidences that she was sure + would soon come. + </p> + <p> + “Zoie dear,” she said as the fragile mite rocked to and fro. “What is it?” + She pressed the soft ringlets from the girl's throbbing forehead. + </p> + <p> + “It's Alfred,” sobbed Zoie. “He's gone!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know,” answered Aggie tenderly. “Isn't it awful? Jimmy just told + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy told you WHAT?” questioned Zoie, and she lifted her head and + regarded Aggie with sudden uneasiness. Her friend's answer raised Jimmy + considerably in Zoie's esteem. Apparently he had not breathed a word about + the luncheon. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jimmy told me,” continued Aggie, “that you and Alfred had had + another tiff, and that Alfred had gone for good.” + </p> + <p> + “For GOOD!” echoed Zoie and her eyes were wide with terror. “Did Alfred + tell Jimmy that?” + </p> + <p> + Aggie nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Then he MEANS it!” cried Zoie, at last fully convinced of the strength of + Alfred's resolve. “But he shan't,” she declared emphatically. “I won't let + him. I'll go after him. He has no right——” By this time she + was running aimlessly about the room. + </p> + <p> + “What did you do to him?” asked Aggie, feeling sure that Zoie was as usual + at fault. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” answered Zoie with wide innocent eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing?” echoed Aggie, with little confidence in her friend's ability to + judge impartially about so personal a matter. + </p> + <p> + “Absolutely nothing,” affirmed Zoie. And there was no doubting that she at + least believed it. + </p> + <p> + “What does he SAY,” questioned Aggie diplomatically. + </p> + <p> + “He SAYS I 'hurt his soul.' Whatever THAT is,” answered Zoie, and her face + wore an injured expression. “Isn't that a nice excuse,” she continued, + “for leaving your lawful wedded wife?” It was apparent that she expected + Aggie to rally strongly to her defence. But at present Aggie was bent upon + getting facts. + </p> + <p> + “HOW did you hurt him?” she persisted. + </p> + <p> + “I ate lunch,” said Zoie with the face of a cherub. + </p> + <p> + “With whom?” questioned Aggie slyly. She was beginning to scent the + probable origin of the misunderstanding. + </p> + <p> + “It's of no consequence,” answered Zoie carelessly; “I wouldn't have wiped + my feet on the man.” By this time she had entirely forgotten Aggie's + proprietorship in the source of her trouble. + </p> + <p> + “But who WAS the man?” urged Aggie, and in her mind, she had already + condemned him as a low, unprincipled creature. + </p> + <p> + “What does that matter?” asked Zoie impatiently. “It's ANY man with Alfred—you + know that—ANY man!” + </p> + <p> + Aggie sank in a chair and looked at her friend in despair. “Why DO you do + these things,” she said wearily, “when you know how Alfred feels about + them?” + </p> + <p> + “You talk as though I did nothing else,” answered Zoie with an aggrieved + tone. “It's the first time since I've been married that I've ever eaten + lunch with any man but Alfred. I thought you'd have a little sympathy with + me,” she whimpered, “instead of putting me on the gridiron like everyone + else does.” + </p> + <p> + “Everyone else?” questioned Aggie, with recurring suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “I mean Alfred,” explained Zoie. “HE'S 'everyone else' to me.” And then + with a sudden abandonment of grief, she threw herself prostrate at her + friend's knees. “Oh, Aggie, what can I do?” she cried. + </p> + <p> + But Aggie was not satisfied with Zoie's fragmentary account of her latest + escapade. “Is that the only thing that Alfred has against you?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “That's the LATEST,” sniffled Zoie, in a heap at Aggie's feet. And then + she continued in a much aggrieved tone, “You know he's ALWAYS rowing + because we haven't as many babies as the cook has cats.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, why don't you get him a baby?” asked the practical, far-seeing + Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “It's too late NOW,” moaned Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” reassured Aggie. “It's the very thing that would bring him + back.” + </p> + <p> + “How COULD I get one?” questioned Zoie, and she looked up at Aggie with + round astonished eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Adopt it,” answered Aggie decisively. + </p> + <p> + Zoie regarded her friend with mingled disgust and disappointment. “No,” + she said with a sigh and a shake of her head, “that wouldn't do any good. + Alfred's so fussy. He always wants his OWN things around.” + </p> + <p> + “He needn't know,” declared Aggie boldly. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” whispered Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Drawing herself up with an air of great importance, and regarding the + wondering young person at her knee with smiling condescension, Aggie + prepared to make a most interesting disclosure. + </p> + <p> + “There was a long article in the paper only this morning,” she told Zoie, + “saying that three thousand husbands in this VERY CITY are fondling babies + not their own.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie turned her small head to one side, the better to study Aggie's face. + It was apparent to the latter that she must be much more explicit. + </p> + <p> + “Babies adopted in their absence,” explained Aggie, “while they were on + trips around the country.” + </p> + <p> + A dangerous light began to glitter in Zoie's eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Aggie!” she cried, bringing her small hands together excitedly, “do you + think I COULD?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked Aggie, with a very superior air. Zoie's enthusiasm was + increasing her friend's admiration of her own scheme. “This same paper + tells of a woman who adopted three sons while her husband was in Europe, + and he thinks each one of them is his.” + </p> + <p> + “Where can we get some?” cried Zoie, now thoroughly enamoured of the idea. + </p> + <p> + “You can always get TONS of them at the Children's Home,” answered Aggie + confidently. + </p> + <p> + “I can't endure babies,” declared Zoie, “but I'd do ANYTHING to get Alfred + back. Can we get one TO-DAY?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + Aggie looked at her small friend with positive pity. “You don't WANT one + TO-DAY,” she explained. + </p> + <p> + Zoie rolled her large eyes inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “If you were to get one to-day,” continued Aggie, “Alfred would know it + wasn't yours, wouldn't he?” + </p> + <p> + A light of understanding began to show on Zoie's small features. + </p> + <p> + “There was none when he left this morning,” added Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “That's true,” acquiesced Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “You must wait awhile,” counselled Aggie, “and then get a perfectly new + one.” + </p> + <p> + But Zoie had never been taught to wait. + </p> + <p> + “Now Aggie——” she began. + </p> + <p> + Aggie continued without heeding her. + </p> + <p> + “After a few months,” she explained, “when Alfred's temper has had time to + cool, we'll get Jimmy to send him a wire that he has an heir.” + </p> + <p> + “A few months!” exclaimed Zoie, as though Aggie had suggested an eternity. + “I've never been away from Alfred that long in all my life.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie was visibly annoyed. “Well, of course,” she said coldly, as she rose + to go, “if you can get Alfred back WITHOUT that——” + </p> + <p> + “But I can't!” cried Zoie, and she clung to her friend as to her last + remaining hope. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” answered Aggie, somewhat mollified by Zoie's complete submission. + “THIS is the only way. The President of the Children's Home is a great + friend of Jimmy's,” she said proudly. + </p> + <p> + It was at this point that Zoie made her first practical suggestion. “Then + we'll LET JIMMY GET IT,” she declared. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” agreed Aggie enthusiastically, as though they would be + according the poor soul a rare privilege. “Jimmy gives a hundred dollars + to the Home every Christmas,”—additional proof why he should be + selected for this very important office. + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens!” exclaimed Zoie with shocked surprise. “If Alfred were to + give a hundred dollars to a Baby's Home, I should suspect him.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be silly!” snapped Aggie curtly. In spite of her firm faith in + Jimmy's innocence, she was undoubtedly annoyed by Zoie's unpleasant + suggestion. + </p> + <p> + There was an instant's pause, then putting disagreeable thoughts from her + mind, Aggie turned to Zoie with renewed enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + “We must get down to business,” she said, “we'll begin on the baby's + outfit at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Its what?” queried Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Its clothes,” explained Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what fun!” exclaimed Zoie, and she clapped her hands merrily like a + very small child. A moment later she stopped with sudden misgiving. + </p> + <p> + “But, Aggie,” she said fearfully, “suppose Alfred shouldn't come back + after I've got the baby? I'd be a widow with a child.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he's sure to come back!” answered Aggie, with a confident air. “He'll + take the first train, home.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he will,” assented Zoie joyfully. All her clouds were again + dispelled. “Aggie,” she cried impulsively, “you are a darling. You have + just saved my life.” And she clasped her arms so tightly around Aggie's + neck that her friend was in danger of being suffocated. + </p> + <p> + Releasing herself Aggie continued with a ruffled collar and raised vanity: + “You can write him an insinuating letter now and then, just to lead up to + the good news gradually.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie tipped her small head to one side and studied her friend + thoughtfully. “Do you know, Aggie,” she said, with frank admiration, “I + believe you are a better liar than I am.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm NOT a liar,” objected Aggie vehemently, “at least, not often,” she + corrected. “I've never lied to Jimmy in all my life.” She drew herself up + with conscious pride. “And Jimmy has NEVER LIED TO ME.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't that nice,” sniffed Zoie and she pretended to be searching for her + pocket-handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + But Aggie did not see her. She was glancing at the clock. + </p> + <p> + “I must go now,” she said. And she started toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “But, Aggie——” protested Zoie, unwilling to be left alone. + </p> + <p> + “I'll run in again at tea time,” promised Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “I don't mind the DAYS,” whined Zoie, “but when NIGHT comes I just MUST + have somebody's arms around me.” + </p> + <p> + “Zoie!” gasped Aggie, both shocked and alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “I can't help it,” confessed Zoie; “the moment it gets dark I'm just + scared stiff.” + </p> + <p> + “That's no way for a MOTHER to talk,” reproved Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “A mother!” exclaimed Zoie, horrified at the sudden realisation that this + awful appellation would undoubtedly pursue her for the rest of her life. + “Oh, don't call me that,” she pleaded. “You make me feel a thousand years + old.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” laughed Aggie, and before Zoie could again detain her she was + out of the room. + </p> + <p> + When the outside door had closed behind her friend, Zoie gazed about the + room disconsolately, but her depression was short-lived. Remembering + Aggie's permission about the letter, she ran quickly to the writing table, + curled her small self up on one foot, placed a brand new pen in the + holder, then drew a sheet of paper toward her and, with shoulders hunched + high and her face close to the paper after the manner of a child, she + began to pen the first of a series of veiled communications that were + ultimately to fill her young husband with amazement. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <p> + When Jimmy reached his office after his unforeseen call upon Zoie, his + subsequent encounter with Alfred, and his enforced luncheon at home with + Aggie, he found his mail, his 'phone calls, and his neglected appointments + in a state of hopeless congestion, and try as he would, he could not + concentrate upon their disentanglement. Growing more and more furious with + the long legged secretary who stood at the corner of his desk, looking + down upon him expectantly, and waiting for his tardy instructions, Jimmy + rose and looked out of the window. He could feel Andrew's reproachful eyes + following him. + </p> + <p> + “Shall Miss Perkins take your letters now?” asked Andrew, and he wondered + how late the office staff would be kept to-night to make up for the time + that was now being wasted. + </p> + <p> + Coming after repeated wounds from his nearest and dearest, Andrew's + implied reproach was too much for Jimmy's overwrought nerves. “Get out!” + he answered unceremoniously. And when Andrew could assure himself that he + had heard aright, he stalked out of the door with his head high in the + air. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy looked after his departing secretary with positive hatred. It was + apparent to him that the whole world was against him. He had been too easy + he decided. His family, friends, and business associates had undoubtedly + lost all respect for him. From this day forth he was determined to show + himself to be a man of strong mettle. + </p> + <p> + Having made this important decision and having convinced himself that he + was about to start on a new life, Jimmy strode to the door of the office + and, without disturbing the injured Andrew, he called sharply to Miss + Perkins to come at once and take his letters. + </p> + <p> + Poor Jimmy! Again he tried in vain to concentrate upon the details of the + “cut-glass” industry. Invariably his mind would wander back to the + unexpected incidents of the morning. Stopping suddenly in the middle of a + letter to a competing firm, he began pacing hurriedly up and down the + room. + </p> + <p> + Had she not feared that her chief might misconstrue any suggestion from + her as an act of impertinence, Miss Perkins, having learned all the + company's cut-glass quotations by rote, could easily have supplied the + remainder of the letter. As it was, she waited impatiently, tapping the + corner of the desk with her idle pencil. Jimmy turned at the sound, and + glanced at the pencil with unmistakable disapproval. Miss Perkins waited + in silence. After one or two more uneasy laps about the room, Jimmy went + to his 'phone and called his house number. + </p> + <p> + “It's undoubtedly domestic trouble,” decided Miss Perkins, and she + wondered whether it would be delicate of her, under the circumstances, to + remain in the room. + </p> + <p> + From her employer's conversation at the 'phone, it was clear to Miss + Perkins that Mrs. Jinks was spending the afternoon with Mrs Hardy, but why + this should have so annoyed MR. Jinks was a question that Miss Perkins + found it difficult to answer. Was it possible that Mr. Jinks's present + state of unrest could be traced to the door of the beautiful young wife of + his friend? “Oh dear,” thought Miss Perkins, “how scandalous!” + </p> + <p> + “That will do,” commanded Jimmy, interrupting Miss Perkins's interesting + speculations, and he nodded toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “But——” stammered Miss Perkins, as she glanced at the + unfinished letters. + </p> + <p> + “I'll call you when I need you,” answered Jimmy gruffly. Miss Perkins left + the room in high dudgeon. + </p> + <p> + “I'LL show them,” said Jimmy to himself, determined to carry out his + recent resolve to be firm. + </p> + <p> + Then his mind wend back to his domestic troubles. “Suppose, that Zoie, + after imposing secrecy upon him, should change that thing called her + 'mind' and confide in Aggie about the luncheon?” Jimmy was positively + pale. He decided to telephone to Zoie's house and find out how affairs + were progressing. At the 'phone he hesitated. “If Aggie HAS found out + about the luncheon,” he argued, “my 'phoning to Zoie's will increase her + suspicions. If Zoie has told her nothing, she'll wonder why I'm 'phoning + to Zoie's house. There's only one thing to do,” he decided. “I must wait + and say nothing. I can tell from Aggie's face when I meet her at dinner + whether Zoie has betrayed me.” + </p> + <p> + Having arrived at this conclusion, Jimmy resolved to get home as early as + possible, and again Miss Perkins was called to his aid. + </p> + <p> + The flurry with which Jimmy despatched the day's remaining business + confirmed both Miss Perkins and Andrew in their previous opinion that “the + boss” had suddenly “gone off his head.” And when he at last left the + office and banged the door behind him there was a general sigh of relief + from his usually tranquil staff. + </p> + <p> + Instead of walking, as was his custom, Jimmy took a taxi to his home but + alas, to his surprise he found no wife. + </p> + <p> + “Did Mrs. Jinks leave any word?” he inquired from the butler. + </p> + <p> + “None at all,” answered that unperturbed creature; and Jimmy felt sure + that the attitude of his office antagonists had communicated itself to his + household servants. + </p> + <p> + When Jimmy's anxious ear at last caught the rustle of a woman's dress in + the hallway, his dinner had been waiting half an hour, and he had worked + himself into a state of fierce antagonism toward everything and everybody. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of Aggie's voice however, his heart began to pound with fear. + “Had she found him out for the weak miserable deceiver that he was? Would + she tell him that they were going to separate forever?” + </p> + <p> + Aggie's first words were reassuring. “Awfully sorry to be so late, dear,” + she said. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy felt her kiss upon his chubby cheek and her dear arms about his + neck. He decided forthwith to tell her everything, and never, never again + to run the risk of deceiving her; but before he could open his lips, she + continued gaily: + </p> + <p> + “I've brought Zoie home with me, dear. There's no sense in her eating all + alone, and she's going to have ALL her dinners with us.” Jimmy groaned. + “After dinner,” continued Aggie, “you and I can take her to the theatre + and all those places and keep her cheered until Alfred comes home.” + </p> + <p> + “Home?” repeated Jimmy in alarm. Was it possible that Alfred had already + relented? + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he doesn't know it yet,” explained Aggie, “but he's coming. We'll + tell you all about it at dinner.” And they did. + </p> + <p> + While waiting for Aggie, Jimmy had thought himself hungry, but once the + two women had laid before him their “nefarious baby-snatching scheme”—food + lost its savour for him, and one course after another was taken away from + him untouched. + </p> + <p> + Each time that Jimmy ventured a mild objection to his part in the plan, as + scheduled by them, he met the threatening eye of Zoie; and by the time + that the three left the table he was so harassed and confused by the + chatter of the two excited women, that he was not only reconciled but + eager to enter into any scheme that might bring Alfred back, and free him + of the enforced companionship of Alfred's nerve-racking wife. True, he + reflected, it was possible that Alfred, on his return, might discover him + to be the culprit who lunched with Zoie and might carry out his murderous + threat; but even such a fate was certainly preferable to interminable + evenings spent under the same roof with Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “All YOU need do, Jimmy,” explained Aggie sweetly, when the three of them + were comfortably settled in the library, “is to see your friend the + Superintendent of the Babies' Home, and tell him just what kind of a baby + we shall need, and when we shall need it.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't we see it ourselves?” chimed in Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, indeed,” said Aggie confidently, and she turned to Jimmy with a + matter-of-fact tone. “You'd better tell the Superintendent to have several + for us to look at when the time arrives.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's better,” agreed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + As for Jimmy, he had long ceased to make any audible comment, but + internally he was saying to himself: “man of strong mettle, indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “We'll attend to all the clothes for the child,” said Aggie generously to + Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “I want everything to be hand-made,” exclaimed Zoie enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + “We can make a great many of the things ourselves, evenings,” said Aggie, + “while we sit here and talk to Jimmy.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought we were going OUT evenings!” objected Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy rolled his eyes toward her like a dumb beast of burden. + </p> + <p> + “MOST evenings,” assented Aggie. “And then toward the last, you know, Zoie——” + she hesitated to explain further, for Jimmy was already becoming visibly + embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, that's true,” blushed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + There was an awkward pause, then Aggie turned again toward Jimmy, who was + pretending to rebuild the fire. “Oh yes, one more thing,” she said. “When + everything is quite ready for Alfred's return, we'll allow you, Jimmy + dear, to wire him the good news.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, so much,” said Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “I wish it were time to wire now,” said Zoie pensively, and in his mind, + Jimmy fervently agreed with that sentiment. + </p> + <p> + “The next few months will slip by before you know it,” declared Aggie + cheerfully. “And by the way, Zoie,” she added, “why should you go back to + your lonesome flat to-night?” + </p> + <p> + Zoie began to feel for her pocket handkerchief—Jimmy sat up to + receive the next blow. “Stay here with us,” suggested Aggie. “We'll be so + glad to have you.” She included Jimmy in her glance. “Won't we, dear?” she + asked. + </p> + <p> + When the two girls went upstairs arm in arm that night, Jimmy remained in + his chair by the fire, too exhausted to even prepare for bed. “A man of + mettle!” he said again to himself. + </p> + <p> + This had certainly been the longest day of his life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <p> + WHEN Aggie predicted that the few months of waiting would pass quickly for + Zoie, she was quite correct. They passed quickly for Aggie as well; but + how about Jimmy? When he afterward recalled this interval in his life, it + was always associated with long strands of lace winding around the legs of + the library chairs, white things lying about in all the places where he + had once enjoyed sitting or lying, late dinners, lonely breakfasts, and a + sense of isolation from Aggie. + </p> + <p> + One evening when he had waited until he was out of all patience with + Aggie, he was told by his late and apologetical spouse that she had been + helping Zoie to redecorate her bedroom to fit the coming occasion. + </p> + <p> + “It is all done in pink and white,” explained Aggie, and then followed + detailed accounts of the exquisite bed linens, the soft lovely hangings, + and even the entire relighting of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Why pink?” asked Jimmy, objecting to any scheme of Zoie's on general + principles. + </p> + <p> + “It's Alfred's favourite colour,” explained Aggie. “Besides, it's so + becoming,” she added. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy could not help feeling that this lure to Alfred's senses was + absolutely indecent, and he said so. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word,” answered Aggie, quite affronted, “you are getting as + unreasonable as Alfred himself.” Then as Jimmy prepared to sulk, she added + coaxingly, “I was GOING to tell you about Zoie's lovely new negligee, and + about the dear little crib that just matches it. Everything is going to be + in harmony.” + </p> + <p> + “With Zoie in the house?” asked Jimmy sceptically. + </p> + <p> + “I can't think why you've taken such a dislike to that helpless child,” + said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + A few days later, while in the midst of his morning's mail, Jimmy was + informed that it was now time for him to conduct Aggie and Zoie to the + Babies' Home to select the last, but most important, detail for their + coming campaign. According to instructions, Jimmy had been in + communication with the amused Superintendent of the Home, and he now led + the two women forth with the proud consciousness that he, at least, had + attended properly to his part of the business. By the time they reached + the Children's Home, several babies were on view for their critical + inspection. + </p> + <p> + Zoie stared into the various cribs containing the wee, red mites with + puckered faces. “Oh dear!” she exclaimed, “haven't you any white ones?” + </p> + <p> + “These are supposed to be white,” said the Superintendent, with an + indulgent smile, “the black ones are on the other side of the room.” + </p> + <p> + “Black ones!” cried Zoie in horror, and she faced about quickly as though + expecting an attack from their direction. + </p> + <p> + “Which particular one of these would you recommend?” asked the practical + Aggie of the Superintendent as she surveyed the first lot. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's largely a matter of taste, ma'am,” he answered. “This seems a + healthy little chap,” he added, and seizing the long white clothes of the + nearest infant, he drew him across his arm and held him out for Aggie's + inspection. + </p> + <p> + “Let's see,” cried Zoie, and she stood on tiptoe to peep over the + Superintendent's elbow. + </p> + <p> + As for Jimmy, he stood gloomily apart. This was an ordeal for which he had + long been preparing himself, and he was resolved to accept it + philosophically. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think much of that one,” snipped Zoie. And in spite of himself. + Jimmy felt his temper rising. + </p> + <p> + Aggie turned to him with a smile. “Which one do YOU prefer, Jimmy?” + </p> + <p> + “It's not MY affair,” answered Jimmy curtly. + </p> + <p> + “Since when?” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Aggie perceived trouble brewing, and she turned to pacify Jimmy. “Which + one do you think your FRIEND ALFRED would like?” she persisted. + </p> + <p> + “If I were in his place——” began Jimmy hotly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but you AREN'T,” interrupted Zoie; then she turned to the + Superintendent. “What makes some of them so much larger than others?” she + asked, glancing at the babies he had CALLED “white.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see they're of different ages,” explained the Superintendent + indulgently. + </p> + <p> + “We told Mr. Jinks they must all be of the same age,” said Zoie with a + reproachful look at Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “What age is that?” asked the Superintendent. + </p> + <p> + “I should say a week old,” said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Then this is the one for you,” decided the Superintendent, designating + his first choice. + </p> + <p> + “I think we'd better take the Superintendent's advice,” said Aggie + complacently. + </p> + <p> + Zoie looked around the room with a dissatisfied air. Was it possible that + all babies were as homely as these? + </p> + <p> + “You know, Zoie,” explained Aggie, divining her thought, “they get better + looking as they grow older.” + </p> + <p> + “They couldn't look worse!” was Zoie's disgusted comment. + </p> + <p> + “Fetch it home, Jimmy,” said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Jimmy, who had considered his mission completed. + </p> + <p> + “You don't expect US to carry it, do you?” asked Aggie in a hurt voice. + </p> + <p> + The Superintendent settled the difficulty temporarily by informing them + that the baby could not possibly leave the home until the mother had + signed the necessary papers for its release. + </p> + <p> + “I thought all those details had been attended to,” said Aggie, and again + the two women surveyed Jimmy with grieved disappointment. + </p> + <p> + “I'll get the mother's signature the first thing in the morning,” + volunteered the Superintendent. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Zoie, “and in the meantime, I'll send some new clothes + for it,” and with a lofty farewell to the Superintendent, she and Aggie + followed Jimmy down stairs to the taxi. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Zoie, when they were properly seated, “let's stop at a + telegraph office and let Jimmy send a wire to Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait until we get the baby,” cautioned Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “We'll have it the first thing in the morning,” argued Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy can send him a night-letter,” compromised Aggie, “that way Alfred + won't get the news until morning.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later, the taxi stopped in front of Jimmy's office and with + a sigh of thanksgiving he hurried upstairs to his unanswered mail. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <p> + When Alfred Hardy found himself on the train bound for Detroit, he tried + to assure himself that he had done the right thing in breaking away from + an association that had kept him for months in a constant state of + ferment. His business must come first, he decided. Having settled this + point to his temporary satisfaction, he opened his afternoon paper and + leaned back in his seat, meaning to divert his mind from personal matters, + by learning what was going on in the world at large. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had his eye scanned the first headline than he was startled by a + boisterous greeting from a fellow traveller, who was just passing down the + aisle. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Hardy!” cried his well meaning acquaintance. “Where are you bound + for?” + </p> + <p> + “Detroit,” answered Alfred, annoyed by the sudden interruption. + </p> + <p> + “Where's the missus?” asked the intruder. + </p> + <p> + “Chicago,” was Alfred's short reply. + </p> + <p> + “THAT'S a funny thing,” declared the convivial spirit, not guessing how + funny it really was. “You know,” he continued, so loud that everyone in + the vicinity could not fail to hear him, “the last time I met you two, you + were on your honeymoon—on THIS VERY TRAIN,” and with that the fellow + sat himself down, uninvited, by Alfred's side and started on a long list + of compliments about “the fine little girl” who had in his opinion done + Alfred a great favour when she consented to tie herself to a “dull, + money-grubbing chap” like him. + </p> + <p> + “So,” thought Alfred, “this is the way the world sees us.” And he began to + frame inaudible but desperate defences of himself. Again he told himself + that he was right; but his friend's thoughtless words had planted an + uncomfortable doubt in his mind, and when he left the train to drive to + his hotel, he was thinking very little about the new business relations + upon which he was entering in Detroit, and very much about the domestic + relations which he had just severed in Chicago. + </p> + <p> + Had he been merely a “dull money-grubber”? Had he left his wife too much + alone? Was she not a mere child when he married her? Could he not, with + more consideration, have made of her a more understanding companion? These + were questions that were still unanswered in his mind when he arrived at + one of Detroit's most enterprising hotels. + </p> + <p> + But later, having telephoned to his office and found that several matters + of importance were awaiting his decision, he forced himself to enter + immediately upon his business obligations. + </p> + <p> + As might have been expected, Alfred soon won the respect and serious + consideration of most of his new business associates, and this in a + measure so mollified his hurt pride, that upon rare occasions he was + affable enough to accept the hospitality of their homes. But each + excursion that he made into the social life of these new friends, only + served to remind him of the unsettled state of his domestic affairs. + </p> + <p> + “How your wife must miss you!” his hostess would remark before they were + fairly seated at table. + </p> + <p> + “They tell me she is so pretty,” his vis-a-vis would exclaim. + </p> + <p> + “When is she going to join you?” the lady on his left would ask. + </p> + <p> + Then his host would laugh and tell the “dear ladies” that in HIS opinion, + Alfred was afraid to bring his wife to Detroit, lest he might lose her to + a handsomer man. + </p> + <p> + Alfred could never quite understand why remarks such as this annoyed him + almost to the point of declaring the whole truth. His LEAVING Zoie, and + his “losing” her, as these would-be comedians expressed it, were two + separate and distinct things in his mind, and he felt an almost + irresistible desire to make this plain to all concerned. + </p> + <p> + But no sooner did he open his lips to do so, than a picture of Zoie in all + her child-like pleading loveliness, arose to dissuade him. He could + imagine his dinner companions all pretending to sympathise with him, while + they flayed poor Zoie alive. She would never have another chance to be + known as a respectable woman, and compared to most women of his + acquaintance, she WAS a respectable woman. True, according to + old-fashioned standards, she had been indiscreet, but apparently the + present day woman had a standard of her own. Alfred found his eye + wandering round the table surveying the wives of his friends. Was there + one of them, he wondered, who had never fibbed to her husband, or eaten a + simple luncheon unchaperoned by him? Of one thing he was certain, there + was not one of them so attractive as Zoie. Might she not be forgiven, to + some extent, if her physical charms had made her a source of dangerous + temptation to unprincipled scoundrels like the one with whom she had no + doubt lunched? Then, too, had she not offered at the moment of his + departure to tell him the “real truth”? Might this not have been the one + occasion upon which she would have done so? “She seemed so sincere,” he + ruminated, “so truly penitent.” Then again, how generous it was of her to + persist in writing to him with never an answer from him to encourage her. + If she cared for him so little as he had once imagined, why should she + wish to keep up even a presence of fondness? Her letters indicated an + undying devotion. + </p> + <p> + These were some of the thoughts that were going through Alfred's mind just + three months after his departure from Chicago, and all the while his + hostess was mentally dubbing him a “dull person.” + </p> + <p> + “What an abstracted man he is!” she said before he was down the front + steps. + </p> + <p> + “Is he really so clever in business?” a woman friend inquired. + </p> + <p> + “It's hard to believe, isn't it?” commented a third, and his host + apologised for the absent Alfred by saying that he was no doubt worried + about a particular business decision that had to be made the next morning. + </p> + <p> + But it was not the responsibility of this business decision that was + knotting Alfred's brow, as he walked hurriedly toward the hotel, where he + had told his office boy to leave the last mail. This had been the longest + interval that Zoie had ever let slip without writing. He recalled that her + last letters had hinted at a “slight indisposition.” In fact, she had even + mentioned “seeing the doctor”—“Good Heavens!” he thought, “Suppose + she were really ill? Who would look after her?” + </p> + <p> + When Alfred reached his rooms, the boy had not yet arrived. He crossed to + the library table and took from the drawer all the letters thus far + received from Zoie. He read them consecutively. “How could he have been so + stupid as not to have realised sooner that her illness—whatever it + was—had been gradually creeping upon her from the very first day of + his departure?” + </p> + <p> + The boy arrived with the mail. It contained no letter from Zoie and Alfred + went to bed with an uneasy mind. + </p> + <p> + The next morning he was down at his office early, still no letter from + Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Refusing his partner's invitation to lunch, Alfred sat alone in his + office, glad to be rid of intrusive eyes. “He would write to Jimmy Jinks,” + he decided, “and find out whether Zoie were in any immediate danger.” + </p> + <p> + Not willing to await the return of his stenographer, or to acquaint her + with his personal affairs, Alfred drew pen and paper toward him and sat + helplessly before it. How could he inquire about Zoie without appearing to + invite a reconciliation with her? While he was trying to answer this vexed + question, a sharp knock came at the door. He turned to see a uniformed + messenger holding a telegram toward him. Intuitively he felt that it + contained some word about Zoie. His hand trembled so that he could + scarcely sign for the message before opening it. + </p> + <p> + A moment later the messenger boy was startled out of his lethargy by a + succession of contradictory exclamations. + </p> + <p> + “No!” cried Alfred incredulously as he gazed in ecstasy at the telegram. + “Yes!” he shouted, excitedly, as he rose from his chair. “Where's a time + table?” he asked the astonished boy, and he began rummaging rapidly + through the drawers of his desk. + </p> + <p> + “Any answer?” inquired the messenger. + </p> + <p> + “Take this,” said Alfred. And he thrust a bill into the small boy's hand. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” answered the boy and disappeared quickly, lest this madman + might reconsider his generosity. + </p> + <p> + Alfred threw down the time table in despair. “No train for Chicago until + night,” he cried; but his mind was working fast. The next moment he was at + the telephone, asking for the Division Superintendent of the railway line. + </p> + <p> + When Alfred's partner returned from luncheon he found a curt note + informing him that Alfred had left on a special for Chicago and would + “write.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll bet it's his wife!” said the partner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <p> + During the evening of the same day that Alfred was enjoying such + pleasurable emotions, Zoie and Aggie were closeted in the pretty pink and + white bedroom that the latter had tried to describe to Jimmy. On a + rose-coloured couch in front of the fire sat Aggie threading ribbons + through various bits of soft white linen, and in front of her, at the foot + of a rose-draped bed, knelt Zoie. She was trying the effect of a large + pink bow against the lace flounce of an empty but inviting bassinette. + </p> + <p> + “How's that?” she called to Aggie, as she turned her head to one side and + surveyed the result of her experiment with a critical eye. + </p> + <p> + Aggie shot a grudging glance at the bassinette. “I wish you wouldn't + bother me every moment,” she said. “I'll never get all these things + finished.” + </p> + <p> + Apparently Zoie decided that the bow was properly placed, for she applied + herself to sewing it fast to the lining. In her excitement she gave the + thread a vicious pull. “Oh, dear, oh dear, my thread is always breaking!” + she sighed in vexation. + </p> + <p> + “You're excited,” said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Wouldn't YOU be excited,” questioned Zoie'”if you were expecting a baby + and a husband in the morning?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I should,” admitted Aggie. + </p> + <p> + For a time the two friends sewed in silence, then Zoie looked up with + sudden anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “You're SURE Jimmy sent the wire?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I saw him write it,” answered Aggie, “while I was in the office to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “When will Alfred get it?” demanded Zoie eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he won't GET it until to-morrow morning,” said Aggie. “I told you + that to-day. It's a night message.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what he'll be doing when he gets it?” mused Zoie. There was a + suspicion of a smile around her lips. + </p> + <p> + “What will he do AFTER he gets it?” questioned Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Looking up at her friend in alarm, Zoie suddenly ceased sewing. “You don't + mean he won't come?” she gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I don't,” answered Aggie. “He's only HUMAN if he is a husband.” + </p> + <p> + There was a sceptical expression around Zoie's mouth, but she did not + pursue the subject. “How do you suppose that red baby will ever look in + this pink basket?” she asked. And then with a regretful little sigh, she + declared that she wished she'd “used blue.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't think the baby that we chose was so horribly red,” said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Red!” cried Zoie, “it's magenta.” And again her thread broke. “Oh, darn!” + she exclaimed in annoyance, and once more rethreaded her needle. “I + couldn't look at it,” she continued with a disgusted little pucker of her + face. “I wish they had let us take it this afternoon so I could have got + used to it before Alfred gets here.” + </p> + <p> + “Now don't be silly,” scolded Aggie. “You know very well that the + Superintendent can't let it leave the home until its mother signs the + papers. It will be here the first thing in the morning. You'll have all + day to get used to it before Alfred gets here.” + </p> + <p> + “ALL DAY,” echoed Zoie, and the corners of her mouth began to droop. + “Won't Alfred be here before TO-MORROW NIGHT?” + </p> + <p> + Aggie was becoming exasperated by Zoie's endless questions. “I told you,” + she explained wearily, “that the wire won't be delivered until to-morrow + morning, it will take Alfred eight hours to get here, and there may not be + a train just that minute.” + </p> + <p> + “Eight long hours,” sighed Zoie dismally. And Aggie looked at her + reproachfully, forgetting that it is always the last hour that is hardest + to bear. Zoie resumed her sewing resignedly. Aggie was meditating whether + she should read her young friend a lecture on the value of patience, when + the telephone began to ring violently. + </p> + <p> + Zoie looked up from her sewing with a frown. “You answer it, will you, + Aggie?” she said. “I can't let go this thread.” + </p> + <p> + “Hello,” called Aggie sweetly over the 'phone; then she added in surprise, + “Is this you, Jimmy dear?” Apparently it was; and as Zoie watched Aggie's + face, with its increasing distress she surmised that Jimmy's message was + anything but “dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” cried Aggie over the telephone, “that's awful!” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't Alfred coming?” was the first question that burst from Zoie's lips. + </p> + <p> + Aggie motioned to Zoie to be quiet. “TO-NIGHT!” she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “To-night!” echoed Zoie joyfully; and without waiting for more details and + with no thought beyond the moment, she flew to her dressing table and + began arranging her hair, powdering her face, perfuming her lips, and + making herself particularly alluring for the prodigal husband's return. + </p> + <p> + Now the far-sighted Aggie was experiencing less pleasant sensations at the + phone. “A special?” she was saying to Jimmy. “When did Alfred GET the + message?” There was a slight pause. Then she asked irritably, “Well, + didn't you mark it 'NIGHT message'?” From the expression on Aggie's face + it was evident that he had not done so. “But, Jimmy,” protested Aggie, + “this is dreadful! We haven't any baby!” Then calling to him to wait a + minute, and leaving the receiver dangling, she crossed the room to Zoie, + who was now thoroughly engrossed in the making of a fresh toilet. “Zoie!” + she exclaimed excitedly, “Jimmy made a mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he'd do THAT,” answered Zoie carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “But you don't understand,” persisted Aggie. “They sent the 'NIGHT + message' TO-DAY. Alfred's coming on a special. He'll be here tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank goodness for that!” cried Zoie, and the next instant she was + waltzing gaily about the room. + </p> + <p> + “That's all very well,” answered Aggie, as she followed Zoie with anxious + eyes, “but WHERE'S YOUR BABY?” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” cried Zoie, and for the first time she became conscious of + their predicament. She gazed at Aggie in consternation. “I forgot all + about it,” she said, and then asked with growing anxiety, “What can we + DO?” + </p> + <p> + “Do?” echoed Aggie, scarcely knowing herself what answer to make, “we've + got to GET it—TO-NIGHT. That's all!” + </p> + <p> + “But,” protested Zoie, “how CAN we get it when the mother hasn't signed + the papers yet?” + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy will have to arrange that with the Superintendent of the Home,” + answered Aggie with decision, and she turned toward the 'phone to instruct + Jimmy accordingly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's right,” assented Zoie, glad to be rid of all further + responsibility, “we'll let Jimmy fix it.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, Jimmy,” called Aggie excitedly, “you'll have to go straight to the + Children's Home and get that baby just as quickly as you can. There's some + red tape about the mother signing papers, but don't mind about that. Make + them give it to you to-night. Hurry, Jimmy. Don't waste a minute.” + </p> + <p> + There was evidently a protest from the other end of the wire, for Aggie + added impatiently, “Go on, Jimmy, do! You can EAT any time.” And with that + she hung up the receiver. + </p> + <p> + “Its clothes,” called Zoie frantically. “Tell him about the clothes. I + sent them this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind about the clothes,” answered Aggie. “We're lucky if we get the + baby.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have to mind,” persisted Zoie. “I gave all its other things to the + laundress. I wanted them to be nice and fresh. And now the horrid old + creature hasn't brought them back yet.” + </p> + <p> + “You get into your OWN things,” commanded Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Where's my dressing gown?” asked Zoie, her elation revived by the thought + of her fine raiment, and with that she flew to the foot of the bed and + snatched up two of the prettiest negligees ever imported from Paris. + “Which do you like better?” she asked, as she held them both aloft, “the + pink or the blue?” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn't matter,” answered Aggie wearily. “Get into SOMETHING, that's + all.” + </p> + <p> + “Then unhook me,” commanded Zoie gaily, as she turned her back to Aggie, + and continued to admire the two “creations” on her arm. So pleased was she + with the picture of herself in either of the garments that she began + humming a gay waltz and swaying to the rhythm. + </p> + <p> + “Stand still,” commanded Aggie, but her warning was unnecessary, for at + that moment Zoie was transfixed by a horrible fear. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose,” she said in alarm, “that Jimmy can't GET the baby?” + </p> + <p> + “He's GOT to get it,” answered Aggie emphatically, and she undid the last + stubborn hook of Zoie's gown and put the girl from her. “There, now, + you're all unfastened,” she said, “hurry and get dressed.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean undressed,” laughed Zoie, as she let her pretty evening gown + fall lightly from her shoulders and drew on her pink negligee. “Oh, + Aggie!” she exclaimed, as she caught sight of her reflection in the + mirror, “isn't it a love? And you know,” she added. “Alfred just adores + pink.” + </p> + <p> + “Silly!” answered Aggie, but in spite of herself, she was quite thrilled + by the picture of the exquisite young creature before her. Zoie had + certainly never looked more irresistible. “Can't you get some of that + colour out of your cheeks,” asked Aggie in despair. “You look like a + washerwoman.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll put on some cold cream and powder,” answered Zoie. She flew to her + dressing table; and in a moment there was a white cloud in her immediate + vicinity. She turned to Aggie to inquire the result. Again the 'phone + rang. “Who's that?” she exclaimed in alarm. + </p> + <p> + “I'll see,” answered Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “It couldn't be Alfred, could it?” asked Zoie with mingled hope and dread. + </p> + <p> + “Of course not,” answered Aggie, as she removed the receiver from the + hook. “Alfred wouldn't 'phone, he would come right up.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <p> + Discovering that it was merely Jimmy “on the wire,” Zoie's uneasiness + abated, but Aggie's anxiety was visibly increasing. + </p> + <p> + “Where ARE you?” she asked of her spouse. “The Children's Home!” she + repeated, then followed further explanations from Jimmy which were + apparently not satisfactory. “Oh, Jimmy!” cried his disturbed wife, “it + can't be! That's horrible!” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” shrieked Zoie, trying to get her small ear close enough to + the receiver to catch a bit of the obviously terrifying message. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute,” called Aggie into the 'phone. Then she turned to Zoie + with a look of despair. “The mother's changed her mind,” she explained; + “she won't give up the baby.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord!” cried Zoie, and she sank into the nearest chair. For an + instant the two women looked at each other with blank faces. “What can we + DO,” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Aggie did not answer immediately. This was indeed a serious predicament; + but presently Zoie saw her friend's mouth becoming very resolute, and she + surmised that Aggie had solved the problem. “We'll have to get ANOTHER + baby, that's all,” decided Aggie. “There must be OTHER babies.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “There, in the Children's Home,” answered Aggie with great confidence, and + she returned to the 'phone. + </p> + <p> + Zoie crossed to the bed and knelt at its foot in search of her little pink + slippers. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Aggie,” she sighed, “the others were all so red!” + </p> + <p> + But Aggie did not heed her protest. “Listen, Jimmy,” she called in the + 'phone, “can't you get another baby?” There was a pause, then Aggie + commanded hotly, “Well, GET in the business!” Another pause and then Aggie + continued very firmly, “Tell the Superintendent that we JUST MUST have + one.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie stopped in the act of putting on her second slipper and called a + reminder to Aggie. “Tell him to get a HE one,” she said, “Alfred wants a + boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Take what you can get!” answered Aggie impatiently, and again she gave + her attention to the 'phone. “What!” she cried, with growing despair, and + Zoie waited to hear what had gone wrong now. “Nothing under three months,” + explained Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Won't that do?” asked Zoie innocently. + </p> + <p> + “Do!” echoed Aggie in disgust. “A three-months' old baby is as big as a + whale.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, can't we say it GREW UP?” asked Zoie, priding herself on her power + of ready resource. + </p> + <p> + “Overnight, like a mushroom?” sneered Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Almost vanquished by her friend's new air of cold superiority, Zoie was + now on the verge of tears. “Somebody must have a new baby,” she faltered. + “Somebody ALWAYS has a new baby.” + </p> + <p> + “For their own personal USE, yes,” admitted Aggie, “but who has a new baby + for US?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know?” asked Zoie helplessly. “You're the one who ought to know. + You got me into this, and you've GOT to get me out of it. Can you + imagine,” she asked, growing more and more unhappy, “what would happen to + me if Alfred were to come home now and not find a baby? He wouldn't + forgive a LITTLE lie, what would he do with a WHOPPER like this?” Then + with sudden decision, she rushed toward the 'phone. “Let me talk to + Jimmy,” she said, and the next moment she was chattering so rapidly and + incoherently over the 'phone that Aggie despaired of hearing one word that + she said, and retired to the next room to think out a new plan of action. + </p> + <p> + “Say, Jimmy,” stammered Zoie into the 'phone, “you've GOT to get me a + baby. If you don't, I'll kill myself! I will, Jimmy, I will. You got me + into this, Jimmy,” she reminded him. “You've GOT to get me out of it.” And + then followed pleadings and coaxings and cajolings, and at length, a + pause, during which Jimmy was apparently able to get in a word or so. His + answer was not satisfactory to Zoie. “What!” she shrieked, tiptoeing to + get her lips closer to the receiver; then she added with conviction, “the + mother has no business to change her mind.” + </p> + <p> + Apparently Jimmy maintained that the mother had changed it none the less. + </p> + <p> + “Well, take it away from her,” commanded Zoie. “Get it quick, while she + isn't looking.” Then casting a furtive glance over her shoulder to make + sure that Aggie was still out of the room, she indulged in a few dark + threats to Jimmy, also some vehement reminders of how he had DRAGGED her + into that horrid old restaurant and been the immediate cause of all the + misfortunes that had ever befallen her. + </p> + <p> + Could Jimmy have been sure that Aggie was out of ear-shot of Zoie's + conversation, the argument would doubtless have kept up indefinitely—as + it was—the result was a quick acquiescence on his part and by the + time that Aggie returned to the room, Zoie was wreathed in smiles. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right,” she said sweetly. “Jimmy's going to get it.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie looked at her sceptically. “Goodness knows I hope so,” she said, + then added in despair, “Look at your cheeks. They're flaming.” + </p> + <p> + Once more the powder puff was called into requisition, and Zoie turned a + temporarily blanched face to Aggie. “Is that better?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Very much,” answered Aggie, “but how about your hair?” + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter with it?” asked Zoie. Her reflection betrayed a + coiffure that might have turned Marie Antoinette green with envy. + </p> + <p> + “Would anybody think you'd been in bed for days?” asked Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred likes it that way,” was Zoie's defence. + </p> + <p> + “Turn around,” said Aggie, without deigning to argue the matter further. + And she began to remove handfuls of hairpins from the yellow knotted + curls. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing?” exclaimed Zoie, as she sprayed her white neck and + arms with her favourite perfume. + </p> + <p> + Aggie did not answer. + </p> + <p> + Zoie leaned forward toward the mirror to smooth out her eyebrows with the + tips of her perfumed fingers. “Good gracious,” she cried in horror as she + caught sight of her reflection. “You're not going to put my hair in a + pigtail!” + </p> + <p> + “That's the way invalids always have their hair,” was Aggie's laconic + reply, and she continued to plait the obstinate curls. + </p> + <p> + “I won't have it like that!” declared Zoie, and she shook herself free + from Aggie's unwelcome attentions and proceeded to unplait the hateful + pigtail. “Alfred would leave me.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie shrugged her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “If you're going to make a perfect fright of me,” pouted Zoie, “I just + won't see him.” + </p> + <p> + “He isn't coming to see YOU,” reminded Aggie. “He's coming to see the + baby.” + </p> + <p> + “If Jimmy doesn't come soon, I'll not HAVE any baby,” answered Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Get into bed,” said Aggie, and she proceeded to turn down the soft lace + coverlets. + </p> + <p> + “Where did I put my cap?” asked Zoie. Her eyes caught the small knot of + lace and ribbons for which she was looking, and she pinned it on top of + her saucy little curls. + </p> + <p> + “In you go,” said Aggie, motioning to the bed. + </p> + <p> + “Wait,” said Zoie impressively, “wait till I get my rose lights on the + pillow.” She pulled the slender gold chain of her night lamp; instantly + the large white pillows were bathed in a warm pink glow—she studied + the effect very carefully, then added a lingerie pillow to the two more + formal ones, kicked off her slippers and hopped into bed. One more glance + at the pillows, then she arranged the ribbons of her negligee to fall + “carelessly” outside the coverlet, threw one arm gracefully above her + head, half-closed her eyes, and sank languidly back against her pillows. + </p> + <p> + “How's that?” she breathed faintly. + </p> + <p> + Controlling her impulse to smile, Aggie crossed to the dressing-table with + a business-like air and applied to Zoie's pink cheeks a third coating of + powder. + </p> + <p> + Zoie sat bolt upright and began to sneeze. “Aggie,” she said, “I just hate + you when you act like that.” But suddenly she was seized with a new idea. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder,” she mused as she looked across the room at the soft, pink sofa + bathed in firelight, “I wonder if I shouldn't look better on that couch + under those roses.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie was very emphatic in her opinion to the contrary. “Certainly not!” + she said. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” decided Zoie with a mischievous smile, “I'll get Alfred to carry + me to the couch. That way I can get my arms around his neck. And once you + get your arms around a man's neck, you can MANAGE him.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie looked down at the small person with distinct disapproval. “Now, + don't you make too much fuss over Alfred,” she continued. “YOU'RE the one + who's to do the forgiving. Don't forget that! What's more,” she reminded + Zoie, “you're very, very weak.” But before she had time to instruct Zoie + further there was a sharp, quick ring at the outer door. + </p> + <p> + The two women glanced at each other inquiringly. The next instant a man's + step was heard in the hallway. + </p> + <p> + “How is she, Mary?” demanded someone in a voice tense with anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “It's Alfred!” exclaimed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “And we haven't any baby!” gasped Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “What shall I do?” cried Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Lie down,” commanded Aggie, and Zoie had barely time to fall back limply + on the pillows when the excited young husband burst into the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <p> + When Alfred entered Zoie's bedroom he glanced about him in bewilderment. + It appeared that he was in an enchanted chamber. Through the dim rose + light he could barely perceive his young wife. She was lying white and + apparently lifeless on her pillows. He moved cautiously toward the bed, + but Aggie raised a warning finger. Afraid to speak, he grasped Aggie's + hand and searched her face for reassurance; she nodded toward Zoie, whose + eyes were closed. He tiptoed to the bedside, sank on his knees and + reverently kissed the small hand that hung limply across the side of the + bed. + </p> + <p> + To Alfred's intense surprise, his lips had barely touched Zoie's + fingertips when he felt his head seized in a frantic embrace. “Alfred, + Alfred!” cried Zoie in delight; then she smothered his face with kisses. + As she lifted her head to survey her astonished husband, she caught the + reproving eye of Aggie. With a weak little sigh, she relaxed her tenacious + hold of Alfred, breathed his name very faintly, and sank back, apparently + exhausted, upon her pillows. + </p> + <p> + “It's been too much for her,” said the terrified young husband, and he + glanced toward Aggie in anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Aggie nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + “How pale she looks,” added Alfred, as he surveyed the white face on the + pillows. + </p> + <p> + “She's so weak, poor dear,” sympathised Aggie, almost in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + Alfred nodded his understanding to Aggie. It was then that his attention + was for the first time attracted toward the crib. + </p> + <p> + “My boy!” he exclaimed. And again Zoie forgot Aggie's warning and sat + straight up in bed. But Alfred did not see her. He was making determinedly + for the crib, his heart beating high with the pride of possession. + </p> + <p> + Throwing back the coverlets of the bassinette, Alfred stared at the empty + bed in silence, then he quickly turned to the two anxious women. “Where is + he?” he asked, his eyes wide with terror. + </p> + <p> + Zoie's lips opened to answer, but no words came. + </p> + <p> + Alfred's eyes turned to Aggie. The look on her face increased his worst + fears. “Don't tell me he's——” he could not bring himself to + utter the word. He continued to look helplessly from one woman to the + other. + </p> + <p> + In vain Zoie again tried to answer. Aggie also made an unsuccessful + attempt to speak. Then, driven to desperation by the strain of the + situation, Zoie declared boldly: “He's out.” + </p> + <p> + “Out?” echoed Alfred in consternation. + </p> + <p> + “With Jimmy,” explained Aggie, coming to Zoie's rescue as well as she knew + how. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” repeated Alfred in great astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Just for a breath of air,” explained Zoie sweetly She had now entirely + regained her self-possession. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't he very young to be out at night?” asked Alfred with a puzzled + frown. + </p> + <p> + “We told Jimmy that,” answered Aggie, amazed at the promptness with which + each succeeding lie presented itself. “But you see,” she continued, “Jimmy + is so crazy about the child that we can't do anything with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy crazy about my baby?” exclaimed Alfred incredulously. “He always + said babies were 'little red worms.'” + </p> + <p> + “Not this one,” answered Zoie sweetly. + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed,” chimed in Aggie. “He acts as though he owned it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, DOES he?” exclaimed Alfred hotly. “I'll soon put a stop to that,” he + declared. “Where did he take him?” + </p> + <p> + Again the two women looked at each other inquiringly, then Aggie stammered + evasively. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, j-just downstairs—somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll LOOK j-just downstairs somewhere,” decided Alfred, and he snatched + up his hat and started toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred!” cried Zoie in alarm. + </p> + <p> + Coming back to her bedside to reassure her, Alfred was caught in a frantic + embrace. “I'll be back in a minute, dear,” he said, but Zoie clung to him + and pleaded desperately. + </p> + <p> + “You aren't going to leave me the very first thing?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred hesitated. He had no wish to be cruel to Zoie, but the thought of + Jimmy out in the street with his baby at this hour of the night was not to + be borne. + </p> + <p> + Zoie renewed her efforts at persuasion. “Now, dearie,” she said, “I wish + you'd go get shaved and wash up a bit. I don't wish baby to see you + looking so horrid.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, do, Alfred,” insisted Aggie. “He's sure to be here in a minute.” + </p> + <p> + “My boy won't care HOW his father looks,” declared Alfred proudly, and + Zoie told Aggie afterward that his chest had momentarily expanded three + inches. + </p> + <p> + “But <i>I</i> care,” persisted Zoie. “First impressions are so important.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Zoie,” cautioned Aggie, as she crossed toward the bed with affected + solicitude. “You mustn't excite yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie was quick to understand the suggested change in her tactics, and + again she sank back on her pillows apparently ill and faint. + </p> + <p> + Utterly vanquished by the dire result of his apparently inhuman + thoughtlessness, Alfred glanced at Aggie, uncertain as to how to repair + the injury. + </p> + <p> + Aggie beckoned to him to come away from the bed. + </p> + <p> + “Let her have her own way,” she whispered with a significant glance toward + Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Alfred nodded understandingly and put a finger to his lips to signify that + he would henceforth speak in hushed tones, then he tiptoed back to the bed + and gently stroked the curls from Zoie's troubled forehead. + </p> + <p> + “There now, dear,” he whispered, “lie still and rest and I'll go shave and + wash up a bit.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie sighed her acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + “Mind,” he whispered to Aggie, “you are to call me the moment my boy + comes,” and then he slipped quietly into the bedroom. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Alfred crossed the threshold, than Zoie sat up in bed and + called in a sharp whisper to Aggie, “What's keeping them?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I can't imagine,” answered Aggie, also in whisper. + </p> + <p> + “If I had Jimmy here,” declared Zoie vindictively, “I'd wring his little + fat neck,” and slipping her little pink toes from beneath the covers, she + was about to get out of bed, when Aggie, who was facing Alfred's bedroom + door, gave her a warning signal. + </p> + <p> + Zoie had barely time to get back beneath the covers, when Alfred + re-entered the room in search of his satchel. Aggie found it for him + quickly. + </p> + <p> + Alfred glanced solicitously at Zoie's closed eyes. “I'm so sorry,” he + apologised to Aggie, and again he slipped softly out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Aggie and Zoie drew together for consultation. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose Jimmy can't get the baby,” whispered Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “In that case, he'd have 'phoned,” argued Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Let's 'phone to the Home,” suggested Zoie, “and find——” She + was interrupted by Alfred's voice. + </p> + <p> + “Say, Aggie,” called Alfred from the next room. + </p> + <p> + “Yes?” answered Aggie sweetly, and she crossed to the door and waited. + </p> + <p> + “Hasn't he come yet?” called Alfred impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, Alfred,” said Aggie, and she closed the door very softly, lest + Alfred should hear her. + </p> + <p> + “I never knew Alfred could be so silly!” snapped Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Sh! sh!” warned Aggie, and she glanced anxiously toward Alfred's door. + </p> + <p> + “He doesn't care a bit about me!” complained Zoie. “It's all that horrid + old baby that he's never seen.” + </p> + <p> + “If Jimmy doesn't come soon, he never WILL see it,” declared Aggie, and + she started toward the window to look out. + </p> + <p> + Just then there was a short quick ring of the bell. The two women glanced + at each other with mingled hope and fear. Then their eyes sought the door + expectantly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <p> + With the collar of his long ulster pushed high and the brim of his derby + hat pulled low, Jimmy Jinks crept cautiously into the room. When he at + length ceased to glance over his shoulder and came to a full stop, Aggie + perceived a bit of white flannel hanging beneath the hem of his tightly + buttoned coat. + </p> + <p> + “You've GOT it!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Where is it?” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Give it to me,” demanded Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy stared at them as though stupefied, then glanced uneasily over his + shoulder, to make sure that no one was pursuing him. Aggie unbuttoned his + ulster, seized a wee mite wrapped in a large shawl, and clasped it to her + bosom with a sigh of relief. “Thank heaven!” she exclaimed, then crossed + quickly to the bassinette and deposited her charge. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, having thrown discretion to the wind, Zoie had hopped out + of bed. As usual, her greeting to Jimmy was in the nature of a reproach. + “What kept you?” she demanded crossly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” chimed in Aggie, who was now bending over the crib. “What made you + so long?” + </p> + <p> + “See here!” answered Jimmy hotly, “if you two think you can do any better, + you're welcome to the job,” and with that he threw off his overcoat and + sank sullenly on the couch. + </p> + <p> + “Sh! sh!” exclaimed Zoie and Aggie, simultaneously, and they glanced + nervously toward Alfred's bedroom door. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy looked at them without comprehending why he should “sh.” They did + not bother to explain. Instead, Zoie turned her back upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Let's see it,” she said, peeping into the bassinette. And then with a + little cry of disgust she again looked at Jimmy reproachfully. “Isn't it + ugly?” she said. Jimmy's contempt for woman's ingratitude was too deep for + words, and he only stared at her in injured silence. But his reflections + were quickly upset when Alfred called from the next room, to inquire again + about Baby. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred's here!” whispered Jimmy, beginning to realise the meaning of the + women's mysterious behaviour. + </p> + <p> + “Sh! sh!” said Aggie again to Jimmy, and Zoie flew toward the bed, almost + vaulting over the footboard in her hurry to get beneath the covers. + </p> + <p> + For the present Alfred did not disturb them further. Apparently he was + still occupied with his shaving, but just as Jimmy was about to ask for + particulars, the 'phone rang. The three culprits glanced guiltily at each + other. + </p> + <p> + “Who's that?” whispered Zoie in a frightened voice. + </p> + <p> + Aggie crossed to the 'phone. “Hello,” she called softly. “The Children's + Home?” she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy paused in the act of sitting and turned his round eyes toward the + 'phone. + </p> + <p> + Aggie's facial expression was not reassuring. “But we can't,” she was + saying; “that's impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” called Zoie across the foot of the bed, unable longer to + endure the suspense. + </p> + <p> + Aggie did not answer. She was growing more and more excited. “A thief!” + she cried wildly, over the 'phone. “How dare you call my husband a thief!” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy was following the conversation with growing interest. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute,” said Aggie, then she left the receiver hanging by the + cord and turned to the expectant pair behind her. “It's the Children's + Home,” she explained. “That awful woman says Jimmy STOLE her baby!” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Zoie as though such depravity on Jimmy's part were + unthinkable. Then she looked at him accusingly, and asked in low, measured + tones, “DID you STEAL HER BABY, JIMMY?” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you tell me to?” asked Jimmy hotly. “Not literally,” corrected + Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “How else COULD I steal a baby?” demanded Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + Zoie looked at the unfortunate creature as if she could strangle him, and + Aggie addressed him with a threat in her voice. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the Superintendent says you've got to bring it straight back.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd like to see myself!” said Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “He sha'n't bring it back,” declared Zoie. “I'll not let him!” + </p> + <p> + “What shall I tell the Superintendent?” asked Aggie, “he's holding the + wire.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him he can't have it,” answered Zoie, as though that were the end of + the whole matter. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” concluded Aggie, “he says if Jimmy DOESN'T bring it back the + mother's coming after it.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord!” exclaimed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + As for Jimmy, he bolted for the door. Aggie caught him by the sleeve as he + passed. “Wait, Jimmy,” she said peremptorily. There was a moment of awful + indecision, then something approaching an idea came to Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Tell the Superintendent that it isn't here,” she whispered to Aggie + across the footboard. “Tell him that Jimmy hasn't got here yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed Jimmy, “tell him I haven't got here yet.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie nodded wisely and returned to the 'phone. “Hello,” she called + pleasantly; then proceeded to explain. “Mr. Jinks hasn't got here yet.” + There was a pause, then she added in her most conciliatory tone, “I'll + tell him what you say when he comes in.” Another pause, and she hung up + the receiver with a most gracious good-bye and turned to the others with + increasing misgivings. “He says he won't be responsible for that mother + much longer—she's half-crazy.” + </p> + <p> + “What right has she to be crazy?” demanded Zoie in an abused voice. “She's + a widow. She doesn't need a baby.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” decided Aggie after careful deliberation, “you'd better take it + back, Jimmy, before Alfred sees it.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” exclaimed Zoie in protest. And again Jimmy bolted, but again he + failed to reach the door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <p> + His face covered with lather, and a shaving brush in one hand, Alfred + entered the room just as his friend was about to escape. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” exclaimed the excited young father, “you're back.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes—yes,” admitted Jimmy nervously, “I'm back.” + </p> + <p> + “My boy!” cried Alfred, and he glanced toward the crib. “He's here!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes,” agreed Aggie uneasily, as she tried to place herself + between Alfred and the bassinette. “He's here, but you mayn't have him, + Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” exclaimed Alfred, trying to put her out of the way. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” protested Aggie, “not just yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Give him to me,” demanded Alfred, and thrusting Aggie aside, he took + possession of the small mite in the cradle. + </p> + <p> + “But—but, Alfred,” pleaded Aggie, “your face. You'll get him all + wet.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred did not heed her. He was bending over the cradle in an ecstasy. “My + boy!” he cried, “my boy!” Lifting the baby in his arms he circled the room + cooing to him delightedly. + </p> + <p> + “Was he away from home when his fadder came? Oh, me, oh, my! Coochy! + Coochy! Coochy!” Suddenly he remembered to whom he owed this wondrous + treasure and forgetful of the lather on his unshaven face he rushed toward + Zoie with an overflowing heart. “My precious!” he exclaimed, and he + covered her cheek with kisses. + </p> + <p> + “Go away!” cried Zoie in disgust and she pushed Alfred from her and + brushed the hateful lather from her little pink check. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred was not to be robbed of his exaltation, and again he circled + the room, making strange gurgling sounds to Baby. + </p> + <p> + “Did a horrid old Jimmy take him away from fadder?” he said + sympathetically, in the small person's ear; and he glanced at Jimmy with + frowning disapproval. “I'd just like to see him get you away from me + again!” he added to Baby, as he tickled the mite's ear with the end of his + shaving brush. “Oh, me! oh, my!” he exclaimed in trepidation, as he + perceived a bit of lather on the infant's cheek. Then lifting the boy high + in his arms and throwing out his chest with great pride, he looked at + Jimmy with an air of superiority. “I guess I'm bad, aye?” he said. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy positively blushed. As for Zoie, she was growing more and more + impatient for a little attention to herself. + </p> + <p> + “Rock-a-bye, Baby,” sang Alfred in strident tones and he swung the child + high in his arms. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy and Aggie gazed at Alfred as though hypnotised. They kept time to + his lullaby out of sheer nervousness. Suddenly Alfred stopped, held the + child from him and gazed at it in horror. “Good heavens!” he exclaimed. + The others waited breathlessly. “Look at that baby's face,” commanded + Alfred. + </p> + <p> + Zoie and Aggie exchanged alarmed glances, then Zoie asked in trepidation, + “What's the matter with his face?” + </p> + <p> + “He's got a fever,” declared Alfred. And he started toward the bed to show + the child to its mother. + </p> + <p> + “Go away!” shrieked Zoie, waving Alfred off in wild alarm. + </p> + <p> + “What?” asked Alfred, backing from her in surprise. + </p> + <p> + Aggie crossed quickly to Alfred's side and looked over his shoulder at the + boy. “I don't see anything wrong with its face,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “It's scarlet!” persisted Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Jimmy with a superior air, “they're always like that.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of the sort,” snorted Alfred, and he glared at Jimmy + threateningly. “You've frozen the child parading him around the streets.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me have him, Alfred,” begged Aggie sweetly; “I'll put him in his crib + and keep him warm.” + </p> + <p> + Reluctantly Alfred released the boy. His eyes followed him to the crib + with anxiety. “Where's his nurse?” he asked, as he glanced first from one + to the other. + </p> + <p> + Zoie and Jimmy stared about the room as though expecting the desired + person to drop from the ceiling. Then Zoie turned upon her unwary + accomplice. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy,” she called in a threatening tone, “where IS his nurse?” + </p> + <p> + “Does Jimmy take the nurse out, too?” demanded Alfred, more and more + annoyed by the privileges Jimmy had apparently been usurping in his + absence. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind about the nurse,” interposed Aggie. “Baby likes me better + anyway. I'll tuck him in,” and she bent fondly over the crib, but Alfred + was not to be so easily pacified. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to tell me,” he exclaimed excitedly, “that my boy hasn't any + nurse?” + </p> + <p> + “We HAD a nurse,” corrected Zoie, “but—but I had to discharge her.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred glanced from one to the other for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Discharge her?” he repeated, “for what?” + </p> + <p> + “She was crazy,” stammered Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Alfred's eyes sought Aggie's for confirmation. She nodded. He directed his + steady gaze toward Jimmy. The latter jerked his head up and down in + nervous assent. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Alfred, amazed at their apparent lack of resource, “why + didn't you get ANOTHER nurse?” + </p> + <p> + “Aggie is going to stay and take care of baby to-night,” declared Zoie, + and then she beamed upon Aggie as only she knew how. “Aren't you, dear?” + she asked sweetly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed,” answered Aggie, studiously avoiding Jimmy's eye. + </p> + <p> + “Baby is going to sleep in the spare room with Aggie and Jimmy,” said + Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Jimmy, too desperate to care what Alfred might infer. + </p> + <p> + Ignoring Jimmy's implied protest, Zoie continued sweetly to Alfred: + </p> + <p> + “Now, don't worry, dear; go back to your room and finish your shaving.” + </p> + <p> + “Finish shaving?” repeated Alfred in a puzzled way. Then his hand went + mechanically to his cheek and he stared at Zoie in astonishment. “By + Jove!” he exclaimed, “I had forgotten all about it. That shows you how + excited I am.” And with a reluctant glance toward the cradle, he went + quickly from the room, singing a high-pitched lullaby. + </p> + <p> + Just as the three conspirators were drawing together for consultation, + Alfred returned to the room. It was apparent that there was something + important on his mind. + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” he said, glancing from one to another, “I forgot to ask—what's + his name?” + </p> + <p> + The conspirators looked at each other without answering. To Alfred their + delay was annoying. Of course his son had been given his father's name, + but he wished to HEAR someone say so. + </p> + <p> + “Baby's, I mean,” he explained impatiently. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy felt instinctively that Zoie's eyes were upon him. He avoided her + gaze. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” called Zoie, meaning only to appeal to him for a name. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” thundered the infuriated Alfred. “You've called my boy 'Jimmy'? + Why 'Jimmy'?” + </p> + <p> + For once Zoie was without an answer. + </p> + <p> + After waiting in vain for any response, Alfred advanced upon the + uncomfortable Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be very popular around here,” he sneered. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy shifted uneasily from one foot to the other and studied the pattern + of the rug upon which he was standing. + </p> + <p> + After what seemed an age to Jimmy, Alfred turned his back upon his old + friend and started toward his bedroom. Jimmy peeped out uneasily from his + long eyelashes. When Alfred reached the threshold, he faced about quickly + and stared again at Jimmy for an explanation. It seemed to Jimmy that + Alfred's nostrils were dilating. He would not have been surprised to see + Alfred snort fire. He let his eyes fall before the awful spectacle of his + friend's wrath. Alfred's upper lip began to curl. He cast a last withering + look in Jimmy's direction, retired quickly from the scene and banged the + door. + </p> + <p> + When Jimmy again had the courage to lift his eyes he was confronted by the + contemptuous gaze of Zoie, who was sitting up in bed and regarding him + with undisguised disapproval. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you tell him what the baby's name is?” she demanded. + </p> + <p> + “How do <i>I</i> know what the baby's name is?” retorted Jimmy savagely. + </p> + <p> + “Sh! sh!” cautioned Aggie as she glanced nervously toward the door through + which Alfred had just passed. + </p> + <p> + “What does it matter WHAT the baby's name is so long as we have to send it + back?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll NOT send it back,” declared Zoie emphatically, “at least not until + morning. That will give Jimmy a whole night to get another one.” + </p> + <p> + “Another!” shrieked Jimmy. “See here, you two can't be changing babies + every five minutes without Alfred knowing it. Even HE has SOME sense.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” answered Aggie shortly. “You know perfectly well that all + young babies look just alike. Their own mothers couldn't tell them apart, + if it weren't for their clothes.” + </p> + <p> + “But where can we GET another?” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Before Aggie could answer, Alfred was again heard calling from the next + room. Apparently all his anger had subsided, for he inquired in the most + amiable tone as to what baby might be doing and how he might be feeling. + Aggie crossed quickly to the door, and sweetly reassured the anxious + father, then she closed the door softly and turned to Zoie and Jimmy with + a new inspiration lighting her face. “I have it,” she exclaimed + ecstatically. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy regarded his spouse with grave suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “Now see here,” he objected, “every time YOU 'HAVE IT,' I DO IT. The NEXT + time you 'HAVE IT' YOU DO IT!” + </p> + <p> + The emphasis with which Jimmy made his declaration deserved consideration, + but to his amazement it was entirely ignored by both women. Hopping + quickly out of bed, without even glancing in his direction, Zoie gave her + entire attention to Aggie. “What is it?” she asked eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “There must be OTHER babies' Homes,” said Aggie, and she glanced at Jimmy + from her superior height. + </p> + <p> + “They aren't open all night like corner drug stores,” growled Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Well, they ought to be,” decided Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “And surely,” argued Aggie, “in an extraordinary case—like——” + </p> + <p> + “This was an 'extraordinary case,'” declared Jimmy, “and you saw what + happened this time, and the Superintendent is a friend of mine—at + least he WAS a friend of mine.” And with that Jimmy sat himself down on + the far corner of the couch and proceeded to ruminate on the havoc that + these two women had wrought in his once tranquil life. + </p> + <p> + Zoie gazed at Jimmy in deep disgust; her friend Aggie had made an + excellent suggestion, and instead of acting upon it with alacrity, here + sat Jimmy sulking like a stubborn child. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” said Zoie, as her eyebrows assumed a bored angle, “there are + SOME babies in the world outside of Children's Homes.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” was Aggie's enthusiastic rejoinder; “there's one born every + minute.” + </p> + <p> + “But I was born BETWEEN minutes,” protested Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Who's talking about you?” snapped Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Again Aggie exclaimed that she “had it.” + </p> + <p> + “She's got it twice as bad,” groaned Jimmy, and he wondered what new form + her persecution of him was about to take. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the morning paper?” asked Aggie, excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “We can't advertise NOW,” protested Zoie. “It's too late for that.” + </p> + <p> + “Sh! Sh!” answered Aggie, as she snatched the paper quickly from the table + and began running her eyes up and down its third page. “Married—married,” + she murmured, and then with delight she found the half column for which + she was searching. “Born,” she exclaimed triumphantly. “Here we are! Get a + pencil, Zoie, and we'll take down all the new ones.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” agreed Zoie, clapping her hands in glee, “and Jimmy can get a + taxi and look them right up.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, CAN he?” shouted Jimmy as he rose with clenched fists. “Now you two, + see here——” + </p> + <p> + Before Jimmy could complete his threat, there was a sharp ring of the door + bell. He looked at the two women inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “It's the mother,” cried Zoie in a hoarse whisper. + </p> + <p> + “The mother!” repeated Jimmy in terror and he glanced uncertainly from one + door to the other. + </p> + <p> + “Cover up the baby!” called Zoie, and drawing Jimmy's overcoat quickly + from his arm, Aggie threw it hurriedly over the cradle. + </p> + <p> + For an instant Jimmy remained motionless in the centre of the room, + hatless, coatless, and shorn of ideas. A loud knock on the door decided + him and he sank with trembling knees behind the nearest armchair, just as + Zoie made a flying leap into the bed and prepared to draw the cover over + her head. + </p> + <p> + The knock was repeated and Aggie signalled to Zoie to answer it. + </p> + <p> + “Come in!” called Zoie very faintly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <p> + From his hiding-place Jimmy peeped around the edge of the armchair and saw + what seemed to be a large clothes basket entering the room. Closer + inspection revealed the small figure of Maggie, the washerwoman's + daughter, propelling the basket, which was piled high with freshly + laundered clothing. Jimmy drew a long sigh of relief, and unknotted his + cramped limbs. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I lay the things on the sofa, mum?” asked Maggie as she placed her + basket on the floor and waited for Zoie's instructions. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, please,” answered Zoie, too exhausted for further comment. + </p> + <p> + Taking the laundry piece by piece from the basket, Maggie made excuses for + its delay, while she placed it on the couch. Deaf to Maggie's chatter, + Zoie lay back languidly on her pillows; but she soon heard something that + lifted her straight up in bed. + </p> + <p> + “Me mother is sorry she had to kape you waitin' this week,” said Maggie + over her shoulder; “but we've got twins at OUR house.” + </p> + <p> + “Twins!” echoed Zoie and Aggie simultaneously. Then together they stared + at Maggie as though she had been dropped from another world. + </p> + <p> + Finding attention temporarily diverted from himself, Jimmy had begun to + rearrange both his mind and his cravat when he felt rather than saw that + his two persecutors were regarding him with a steady, determined gaze. In + spite of himself, Jimmy raised his eyes to theirs. + </p> + <p> + “Twins!” was their laconic answer. + </p> + <p> + Now, Jimmy had heard Maggie's announcement about the bountiful supply of + offspring lately arrived at her house, but not until he caught the + fanatical gleam in the eyes of his companions did he understand the part + they meant him to play in their next adventure. He waited for no + explanation—he bolted toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “Wait, Jimmy,” commanded Aggie. But it was not until she had laid firm + hold of him that he waited. + </p> + <p> + Surprised by such strange behaviour on the part of those whom she + considered her superiors, Maggie looked first at Aggie, then at Jimmy, + then at Zoie, uncertain whether to go or to stay. + </p> + <p> + “Anythin' to go back, mum?” she stammered. + </p> + <p> + Zoie stared at Maggie solemnly from across the foot of the bed. “Maggie,” + she asked in a deep, sepulchral tone, “where do you live?” + </p> + <p> + “Just around the corner on High Street, mum,” gasped Maggie. Then, keeping + her eyes fixed uneasily on Zoie she picked up her basket and backed + cautiously toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “Wait!” commanded Zoie; and Maggie paused, one foot in mid-air. “Wait in + the hall,” said Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes'um,” assented Maggie, almost in a whisper. Then she nodded her head + jerkily, cast another furtive glance at the three persons who were + regarding her so strangely, and slipped quickly through the door. + </p> + <p> + Having crossed the room and stealthily closed the door, Aggie returned to + Jimmy, who was watching her with the furtive expression of a trapped + animal. + </p> + <p> + “It's Providence,” she declared, with a grave countenance. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy looked up at Aggie with affected innocence, then rolled his round + eyes away from her. He was confronted by Zoie, who had approached from the + opposite side of the room. + </p> + <p> + “It's Fate,” declared Zoie, in awe-struck tones. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy was beginning to wriggle, but he kept up a last desperate presence + of not understanding them. + </p> + <p> + “You needn't tell me I'm going to take the wash to the old lady,” he said, + “for I'm not going to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't the WASH,” said Aggie, and her tone warned him that she expected + no nonsense from him. + </p> + <p> + “You know what we are thinking about just as well as we do,” said Zoie. + “I'll write that washerwoman a note and tell her we must have one of those + babies right now.” And with that she turned toward her desk and began + rummaging amongst her papers for a pencil and pad. “The luck of these + poor,” she murmured. + </p> + <p> + “The luck of US,” corrected Aggie, whose spirits were now soaring. Then + she turned to Jimmy with growing enthusiasm. “Just think of it, dear,” she + said, “Fate has sent us a baby to our very door.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” declared Jimmy, again beginning to show signs of fight, “if Fate + has sent a baby to the door, you don't need me,” and with that he snatched + his coat from the crib. + </p> + <p> + “Wait, Jimmy,” again commanded Aggie, and she took his coat gently but + firmly from him. + </p> + <p> + “Now, see here,” argued Jimmy, trying to get free from his strong-minded + spouse, “you know perfectly well that that washerwoman isn't going to let + us have that baby.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” called Zoie over her shoulder, while she scribbled a hurried + note to the washerwoman. “If she won't let us have it 'for keeps,' I'll + just 'rent it.'” + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord!” exclaimed Jimmy in genuine horror. “Warm, fresh, palpitating + babies rented as you would rent a gas stove!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all a pose,” declared Aggie, in a matter-of-fact tone. “You think + babies 'little red worms,' you've said so.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy could not deny it. + </p> + <p> + “She'll be only too glad to rent it,” declared Zoie, as she glanced + hurriedly through the note just written, and slipped it, together with a + bill, into an envelope. “I'll pay her anything. It's only until I can get + another one.” + </p> + <p> + “Another!” shouted Jimmy, and his eyes turned heavenward for help. “An + endless chain with me to put the links together!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be so theatrical,” said Aggie, irritably, as she took up Jimmy's + coat and prepared to get him into it. + </p> + <p> + “Why DO you make such a fuss about NOTHING,” sighed Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing?” echoed Jimmy, and he looked at her with wondering eyes. “I + crawl about like a thief in the night snatching babies from their mother's + breasts, and you call THAT nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “You don't have to 'CRAWL,'” reminded Zoie, “you can take a taxi.” + </p> + <p> + “Here's your coat, dear,” said Aggie graciously, as she endeavoured to + slip Jimmy's limp arms into the sleeves of the garment. + </p> + <p> + “You can take Maggie with you,” said Zoie, with the air of conferring a + distinct favour upon him. + </p> + <p> + “And the wash on my lap,” added Jimmy sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Zoie, unruffled by Jimmy's ungracious behaviour. “We'll send + the wash later.” + </p> + <p> + “That's very kind of you,” sneered Jimmy, as he unconsciously allowed his + arms to slip into the sleeves of the coat Aggie was urging upon him. + </p> + <p> + “All you need to do,” said Aggie complacently, “is to get us the baby.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Jimmy, “and what do you suppose my friends would say if they + were to see me riding around town with the wash-lady's daughter and a baby + on my lap? What would YOU say?” he asked Aggie, “if you didn't know the + facts?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody's going to see you,” answered Aggie impatiently; “it's only around + the corner. Go on, Jimmy, be a good boy.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean a good thing,” retorted Jimmy without budging from the spot. + </p> + <p> + “How ridiculous!” exclaimed Zoie; “it's as easy as can be.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the FIRST one SOUNDED easy, too,” said Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “All you have to do,” explained Zoie, trying to restrain her rising + intolerance of his stupidity, “is to give this note to Maggie's mother. + She'll give you her baby, you bring it back here, we'll give you THIS one, + and you can take it right back to the Home.” + </p> + <p> + “And meet the other mother,” concluded Jimmy with a shake of his head. + </p> + <p> + There was a distinct threat in Zoie's voice when she again addressed the + stubborn Jimmy and the glitter of triumph was in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better meet here THERE than HERE,” she warned him; “you know what + the Superintendent said.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true,” agreed Aggie with an anxious face. “Come now,” she pleaded, + “it will only take a minute; you can do the whole thing before you have + had time to think.” + </p> + <p> + “Before I have had time to think,” repeated Jimmy excitedly. “That's how + you get me to do everything. Well, this time I've HAD time to think and I + don't think I will!” and with that he threw himself upon the couch, + unmindful of the damage to the freshly laundered clothes. + </p> + <p> + “Get up,” cried Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “You haven't time to sit down,” said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “I'll TAKE time,” declared Jimmy. His eyes blinked ominously and he + remained glued to the couch. + </p> + <p> + There was a short silence; the two women gazed at Jimmy in despair. + Remembering a fresh grievance, Jimmy turned upon them. + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” he said, “do you two know that I haven't had anything to eat + yet?” + </p> + <p> + “And do you know,” said Zoie, “that Alfred may be back at any minute? He + can't stay away forever.” + </p> + <p> + “Not unless he has cut his throat,” rejoined Jimmy, “and that's what I'd + do if I had a razor.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie regarded Jimmy as though he were beyond redemption. “Can't you ever + think of anybody but yourself?” she asked, with a martyred air. + </p> + <p> + Had Jimmy been half his age, Aggie would have felt sure that she saw him + make a face at her friend for answer. As it was, she resolved to make one + last effort to awaken her unobliging spouse to a belated sense of duty. + </p> + <p> + “You see, dear,” she said, “you might better get the washerwoman's baby + than to go from house to house for one,” and she glanced again toward the + paper. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” urged Zoie, “and that's just what you'll HAVE to do, if you don't + get this one.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's head hung dejectedly. It was apparent that his courage was + slipping from him. Aggie was quick to realise her opportunity, and before + Jimmy could protect himself from her treacherous wiles, she had slipped + one arm coyly about his neck. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Jimmy,” she pleaded as she pressed her soft cheek to his throbbing + temple, and toyed with the bay curl on his perspiring forehead, “wont you + do this little teeny-weepy thing just for me?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's lips puckered in a pout; he began to blink nervously. Aggie + slipped her other arm about his neck. + </p> + <p> + “You know,” she continued with a baby whine, “I got Zoie into this, and + I've just got to get her out of it. You're not going to desert me, are + you, Jimmy? You WILL help me, won't you, dear?” Her breath was on Jimmy's + cheek; he could feel her lips stealing closer to his. He had not been + treated to much affection of late. His head drooped lower—he began + to twiddle the fob on his watch chain. “Won't you?” persisted Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy studied the toes of his boots. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you?” she repeated, and her soft eyelashes just brushed the tip of + his retrousee nose. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's head was now wagging from side to side. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you?” she entreated a fourth time, and she kissed him full on the + lips. + </p> + <p> + With a resigned sigh, Jimmy rose mechanically from the heap of crushed + laundry and held out his fat chubby hand. + </p> + <p> + “Give me the letter,” he groaned. + </p> + <p> + “Here you are,” said Zoie, taking Jimmy's acquiescence as a matter of + course; and she thrust the letter into the pocket of Jimmy's ulster. “Now, + when you get back with the baby,” she continued, “don't come in all of a + sudden; just wait outside and whistle. You CAN WHISTLE, can't you?” she + asked with a doubtful air. + </p> + <p> + For answer, Jimmy placed two fingers between his lips and produced a + shrill whistle that made both Zoie and Aggie glance nervously toward + Alfred's bedroom door. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you can WHISTLE,” admitted Zoie, then she continued her directions. + “If Alfred is not in the room, I'll raise the shade and you can come right + up.” + </p> + <p> + “And if he is in the room?” asked Jimmy with a fine shade of sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + “If he IS in the room,” explained Zoie, “you must wait outside until I can + get rid of him.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy turned his eyes toward Aggie to ask if it were possible that she + still approved of Zoie's inhuman plan. For answer Aggie stroked his coat + collar fondly. + </p> + <p> + “We'll give you the signal the moment the coast is clear,” she said, then + she hurriedly buttoned Jimmy's large ulster and wound a muffler about his + neck. “There now, dear, do go, you're all buttoned up,” and with that she + urged him toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “Just a minute,” protested Jimmy, as he paused on the threshold. “Let me + get this right, if the shade is up, I stay down.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” corrected Aggie and Zoie in a breath. “If the shade is up, + you come up.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy cast another martyred look in Zoie's direction. + </p> + <p> + “You won't hurry will you?” he said, “you know it is only twenty-three + below zero and I haven't had anything to eat yet—and——” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we know,” interrupted the two women in chorus, and then Aggie added + wearily, “go on, Jimmy; don't be funny.” + </p> + <p> + “Funny?” snorted Jimmy. “With a baby on my lap and the wash lady's + daughter, I won't be funny, oh no!” + </p> + <p> + It is doubtful whether Jimmy would not have worked himself into another + state of open rebellion had not Aggie put an end to his protests by + thrusting him firmly out of the room and closing the door behind him. + After this act of heroic decision on her part, the two women listened + intently, fearing that he might return; but presently they heard the bang + of the outer door, and at last they drew a long breath of relief. For the + first time since Alfred's arrival, Aggie was preparing to sink into a + chair, when she was startled by a sharp exclamation from Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens,” cried Zoie, “I forgot to ask Maggie.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask her what?” questioned Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Boys or girls,” said Zoie, with a solemn look toward the door through + which Jimmy had just disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” decided Aggie, after a moment's reflection, “it's too late now. + Anyway,” she concluded philosophically, “we couldn't CHANGE it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <p> + With more or less damage to himself consequent on his excitement, Alfred + completed his shaving and hastened to return to his wife and the babe. + Finding the supposedly ill Zoie careering about the centre of the room + expostulating with Aggie, the young man stopped dumbfounded on the + threshold. + </p> + <p> + “Zoie,” he cried in astonishment. “What are you doing out of bed?” + </p> + <p> + For an instant the startled Zoie gazed at him stupefied. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I—I——” Her eyes sought Aggie's for a suggestion; + there was no answer there. It was not until her gaze fell upon the cradle + that she was seized by the desired inspiration. + </p> + <p> + “I just got up to see baby,” she faltered, then putting one hand giddily + to her head, she pretended to sway. + </p> + <p> + In an instant Alfred's arms were about her. He bore her quickly to the + bed. “You stay here, my darling,” he said tenderly. “I'll bring baby to + you,” and after a solicitous caress he turned toward baby's crib and bent + fondly over the little one. “Ah, there's father's man,” he said. “Was he + lonesome baby? Oh, goodis g'acious,” then followed an incoherent muttering + of baby talk, as he bore the youngster toward Zoie's bed. “Come, my + precious,” he called to Zoie, as he sank down on the edge of the bed. “See + mother's boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother!” shrieked Zoie in horror. It had suddenly dawned upon her that + this was the name by which Alfred would no doubt call her for the rest of + her life. She almost detested him. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred did not see the look of disgust on Zoie's face. He was wholly + absorbed by baby. + </p> + <p> + “What a funny face,” he cooed as he pinched the youngster's cheek. “Great + Scott, what a grip,” he cried as the infant's fingers closed around his + own. “Will you look at the size of those hands,” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + Zoie and Aggie exchanged worried glances; the baby had no doubt inherited + his large hands from his mother. + </p> + <p> + “Say, Aggie,” called Alfred, “what are all of these little specks on + baby's forehead?” He pointed toward the infant's brow. “One, two, three,” + he counted. + </p> + <p> + Zoie was becoming more and more uncomfortable at the close proximity of + the little stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Aggie, with affected carelessness as she leaned over Alfred's + shoulder and glanced at baby's forehead. “That is just a little rash.” + </p> + <p> + “A rash!” exclaimed Alfred excitedly, “that's dangerous, isn't it? We'd + better call up the doctor.” And he rose and started hurriedly toward the + telephone, baby in arms. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be silly,” called Zoie, filled with vague alarm at the thought of + the family physician's appearance and the explanations that this might + entail. + </p> + <p> + Stepping between Alfred and the 'phone, Aggie protested frantically. “You + see, Alfred,” she said, “it is better to have the rash OUT, it won't do + any harm unless it turns IN.” + </p> + <p> + “He's perfectly well,” declared Zoie, “if you'll only put him in his crib + and leave him alone.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred looked down at his charge. “Is that right, son?” he asked, and he + tickled the little fellow playfully in the ribs. “I'll tell you what,” he + called over his shoulder to Zoie, “he's a fine looking boy.” And then with + a mysterious air, he nodded to Aggie to approach. “Whom does he look + like?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Again Zoie sat up in anxiety. Aggie glanced at her, uncertain what answer + to make. + </p> + <p> + “I—I hadn't thought,” she stammered weakly. + </p> + <p> + “Go on, go on,” exclaimed the proud young father, “you can't tell me that + you can look at that boy and not see the resemblance.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom?” asked Aggie, half fearfully. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Alfred, “he's the image of Zoie.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie gazed at the puckered red face in Alfred's arms. “What!” she shrieked + in disgust, then fall back on her pillows and drew the lace coverlet over + her face. + </p> + <p> + Mistaking Zoie's feeling for one of embarrassment at being over-praised, + Alfred bore the infant to her bedside. “See, dear,” he persisted, “see for + yourself, look at his forehead.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd rather look at you,” pouted Zoie, peeping from beneath the coverlet, + “if you would only put that thing down for a minute.” + </p> + <p> + “Thing?” exclaimed Alfred, as though doubting his own ears. But before he + could remonstrate further, Zoie's arms were about his neck and she was + pleading jealously for his attention. + </p> + <p> + “Please, Alfred,” she begged, “I have scarcely had a look at you, yet.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred shook his head and turned to baby with an indulgent smile. It was + pleasant to have two such delightful creatures bidding for his entire + attention. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me,” he said to baby. “Dear me, tink of mudder wanting to look at a + big u'gy t'ing like fadder, when she could look at a 'itty witty t'ing + like dis,” and he rose and crossed to the crib where he deposited the + small creature with yet more gurgling and endearing. + </p> + <p> + Zoie's dreams of rapture at Alfred's home coming had not included such + divided attention as he was now showing her and she was growing more and + more desperate at the turn affairs had taken. She resolved to put a stop + to his nonsense and to make him realise that she and no one else was the + lode star of his existence. She beckoned to Aggie to get out of the room + and to leave her a clear field and as soon as her friend had gone quietly + into the next room, she called impatiently to Alfred who was still cooing + rapturously over the young stranger. Finding Alfred deaf to her first + entreaty, Zoie shut her lips hard, rearranged her pretty head-dress, drew + one fascinating little curl down over her shoulder, reknotted the pink + ribbon of her negligee, and then issued a final and imperious order for + her husband to attend her. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, dear,” answered Alfred, with a shade of impatience. “I'm + coming, I'm coming.” And bidding a reluctant farewell to the small person + in the crib, he crossed to her side. + </p> + <p> + Zoie caught Alfred's hand and drew him down to her; he smiled + complacently. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said in the patronising tone that Zoie always resented. “How is + hubby's little girl?” + </p> + <p> + “It's about time,” pouted Zoie, “that you made a little fuss over me for a + change.” + </p> + <p> + “My own!” murmured Alfred. He stooped to kiss the eager lips, but just as + his young wife prepared to lend herself to his long delayed embrace, his + mind was distracted by an uneasy thought. “Do you think that Baby is——” + </p> + <p> + He was not permitted to finish the sentence. + </p> + <p> + Zoie drew him back to her with a sharp exclamation. + </p> + <p> + “Think of ME for a while,” she commanded. + </p> + <p> + “My darling,” expostulated Alfred with a shade of surprise at her + vehemence. “How could I think of anyone else?” Again he stooped to embrace + her and again his mind was directed otherwise. “I wonder if Baby is warm + enough,” he said and attempted to rise. + </p> + <p> + “Wonder about ME for a while,” snapped Zoie, clinging to him determinedly. + </p> + <p> + Again Alfred looked at her in amazement. Was it possible there was + anything besides Baby worth wondering about? Whether there was or not, + Zoie was no longer to be resisted and with a last regretful look at the + crib, he resigned himself to giving his entire attention to his spoiled + young wife. + </p> + <p> + Gratified by her hard-won conquest, Zoie now settled herself in Alfred's + arms. + </p> + <p> + “You haven't told me what you did all the time that you were away,” she + reminded him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there was plenty to do,” answered Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Did you think of me every minute?” she asked jealously. + </p> + <p> + “That would be telling,” laughed Alfred, as he pinched her small pink ear. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to be 'told,'” declared Zoie; “I don't suppose you realise it, but + if I were to live a THOUSAND YEARS, I'd never be quite sure what you did + during those FEW MONTHS.” + </p> + <p> + “It was nothing that you wouldn't have been proud of,” answered Alfred, + with an unconscious expansion of his chest. + </p> + <p> + “Do you love me as much as ever?” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Behave yourself,” answered Alfred, trying not to appear flattered by the + discovery that his absence had undoubtedly caused her great uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “Well, SAY it!” demanded Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “You know I do,” answered Alfred, with the diffidence of a school boy. + </p> + <p> + “Then kiss me,” concluded Zoie, with an air of finality that left Alfred + no alternative. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact, Alfred was no longer seeking an alternative. He was + again under the spell of his wife's adorable charms and he kissed her not + once, but many times. + </p> + <p> + “Foolish child,” he murmured, then he laid her tenderly against the large + white pillows, remonstrating with her for being so spoiled, and cautioning + her to be a good little girl while he went again to see about Baby. + </p> + <p> + Zoie clung to his hand and feigned approaching tears. + </p> + <p> + “You aren't thinking of me at all?” she pouted. “And kisses are no good + unless you put your whole mind on them. Give me a real kiss!” she pleaded. + </p> + <p> + Again Alfred stooped to humour the small importunate person who was so + jealous of his every thought, but just as his lips touched her forehead + his ear was arrested by a sound as yet new both to him and to Zoie. He + lifted his head and listened. + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” answered Zoie, wondering if the cat could have got into + the room. + </p> + <p> + A redoubled effort on the part of the young stranger directed their + attention in the right direction. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” exclaimed Alfred tragically, “it's Baby. He's crying.” And with + that, he rushed to the crib and clasped the small mite close to his + breast, leaving Zoie to pummel the pillows in an agony of vexation. + </p> + <p> + After vain cajoling of the angry youngster, Alfred bore him excitedly to + Zoie's bedside. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better take him, dear,” he said. + </p> + <p> + To the young husband's astonishment, Zoie waved him from her in terror, + and called loudly for Aggie. But no sooner had Aggie appeared on the + scene, than a sharp whistle was heard from the pavement below. + </p> + <p> + “Pull down the shade!” cried Zoie frantically. + </p> + <p> + Aggie hastened toward the window. + </p> + <p> + Attributing Zoie's uneasiness to a caprice of modesty, Alfred turned from + the cradle to reassure her. + </p> + <p> + “No one can see in way up here,” he said. + </p> + <p> + To Zoie's distress, the lowering of the shade was answered by a yet + shriller whistle from the street below. + </p> + <p> + “Was it 'up' or 'down'?” cried Zoie to Aggie in an agony of doubt, as she + tried to recall her instructions to Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” answered Aggie. “I've forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + Another impatient whistle did not improve their memory. Alarmed by Zoie's + increasing excitement, and thinking she was troubled merely by a sick + woman's fancy that someone might see through the window, Alfred placed the + babe quickly in its cradle and crossed to the young wife's bed. + </p> + <p> + “It was up, dear,” he said. “You had Aggie put it down.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I want it up,” declared the seemingly perverse Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “But it was up,” argued Alfred. + </p> + <p> + A succession of emotional whistles set Zoie to pounding the pillows. + </p> + <p> + “Put it down!” she commanded. + </p> + <p> + “But Zoie——” protested Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Did I say 'up' or did I say 'down'?” moaned the half-demented Zoie, while + long whistles and short whistles, appealing whistles and impatient + whistles followed each other in quick succession. + </p> + <p> + “You said down, dear,” persisted Alfred, now almost as distracted as his + wife. + </p> + <p> + Zoie waved him from the room. “I wish you'd get out of here,” she cried; + “you make me so nervous that I can't think at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, dear,” murmured Alfred, “if you wish it.” And with a hurt and + perplexed expression on his face he backed quickly from the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <p> + When Zoie's letter asking for the O'Flarety twin had reached that young + lady's astonished mother, Mrs. O'Flarety felt herself suddenly lifted to a + position of importance. + </p> + <p> + “Think of the purty Mrs. Hardy a wantin' my little Bridget,” she + exclaimed, and she began to dwell upon the romantic possibilities of her + offspring's future under the care of such a “foine stylish lady and + concluded by declaring it 'a lucky day entoirely.'” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy had his misgivings about it being Bridget's “LUCKY day,” but it was + not for him to delay matters by dwelling upon the eccentricities of Zoie's + character, and when Mrs. O'Flarety had deposited Bridget in Jimmy's short + arms and slipped a well filled nursing bottle into his overcoat pocket, he + took his leave hastily, lest the excited woman add Bridget's twin to her + willing offering. + </p> + <p> + Once out of sight of the elated mother, Jimmy thrust the defenceless + Bridget within the folds of his already snug ulster, buttoned the garment + in such places as it would meet, and made for the taxi which, owing to the + upset condition of the street, he had been obliged to abandon at the + corner. + </p> + <p> + Whether the driver had obtained a more promising “fare” or been run in by + the police, Jimmy never knew. At any rate it was in vain that he looked + for his vehicle. So intense was the cold that it was impossible to wait + for a chance taxi; furthermore, the meanness of the district made it + extremely unlikely that one would appear, and glancing guiltily behind him + to make sure that no one was taking cognisance of his strange exploit, + Jimmy began picking his way along dark lanes and avoiding the lighted + thoroughfare on which the “Sherwood” was situated, until he was within a + block of his destination. + </p> + <p> + Panting with haste and excitement, he eventually gained courage to dash + through a side street that brought him within a few doors of the + “Sherwood.” Again glancing behind him, he turned the well lighted corner + and arrived beneath Zoie's window to find one shade up and one down. In + his perplexity he emitted a faint whistle. Immediately he saw the other + shade lowered. Uncertain as to what arrangement he had actually made with + Zoie, he ventured a second whistle. The result was a hysterical running up + and down of the shade which left him utterly bewildered as to what + disposition he was supposed to make of the wobbly bit of humanity pressed + against his shirt front. + </p> + <p> + Reaching over his artificially curved figure to grasp a bit of white that + trailed below his coat, he looked up to see a passing policeman eyeing him + suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “Taking the air?” asked the policeman. + </p> + <p> + “Ye-yes,” mumbled Jimmy with affected nonchalence and he knocked the heels + of his boots together in order to keep his teeth from chattering. “It's a + fi-fine ni-night for air,” he stuttered. + </p> + <p> + “Is it?” said the policeman, and to Jimmy's horror, he saw the fellow's + eyes fix themselves on the bit of white. + </p> + <p> + “Go-good-night,” stammered Jimmy hurriedly, and trying to assume an easy + stride in spite of the uncomfortable addition to his already rotund + figure, he slipped into the hotel, where avoiding the lighted elevator, he + laboured quickly, up the stairs. + </p> + <p> + At the very moment when Zoie was driving Alfred in consternation from the + room, Jimmy entered it uninvited. + </p> + <p> + “Get out,” was the inhospitable greeting received simultaneously from Zoie + and Aggie, and without waiting for further instructions he “got.” + </p> + <p> + Fortunately for all concerned, Alfred, who was at the same moment + departing by way of the bedroom door, did not look behind him; but it was + some minutes before Aggie who had followed Jimmy into the hall could + persuade him to return. + </p> + <p> + After repeated and insistent signals both from Aggie and Zoie, Jimmy's + round red face appeared cautiously around the frame of the door. It bore + unmistakable indications of apoplexy. But the eyes of the women were not + upon Jimmy's face, they too had caught sight of the bit of white that hung + below his coat, and dragging him quickly into the room and closing the + door, Aggie proceeded without inquiry or thanks to unbutton his coat and + to take from beneath it the small object for which she and Zoie had been + eagerly waiting. + </p> + <p> + “Thank Heaven!” sighed Zoie, as she saw Aggie bearing the latest + acquisition to Alfred's rapidly increasing family safely toward the crib. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly remembering something in his right hand coat pocket, Jimmy called + to Aggie, who turned to him and waited expectantly. After characteristic + fumbling, he produced a well filled nursing bottle. + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “For HER,” grunted Jimmy, and he nodded toward the bundle in Aggie's arms. + </p> + <p> + “HER!” cried Zoie and Aggie in chorus. Zoie shut her lips hard and gazed + at him with contempt. + </p> + <p> + “I might have known you'd get the wrong kind,” she said. + </p> + <p> + What Jimmy thought about the ingratitude of woman was not to be expressed + in language. He controlled himself as well as he could and merely LOOKED + the things that he would like to have said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it can't be helped now,” decided the philosophic Aggie; “here, + Jimmy,” she said, “you hold 'HER' a minute and I'll get you the other + one.” + </p> + <p> + Placing the small creature in Jimmy's protesting arms, Aggie turned toward + the cradle to make the proposed exchange when she was startled by the + unexpected return of Alfred. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to the ample folds of Jimmy's ulster, he was able to effectually + conceal his charge and he started quickly toward the hall, but in making + the necessary detour around the couch he failed to reach the door before + Alfred, who had chosen a more direct way. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on, Jimmy,” exclaimed Alfred good-naturedly, and he laid a detaining + hand on his friend's shoulder. “Where are you going?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll be back,” stammered Jimmy weakly, edging his way toward the door, + and contriving to keep his back toward Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute,” said Alfred jovially, as he let his hand slip onto + Jimmy's arm, “you haven't told me the news yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you later,” mumbled Jimmy, still trying to escape. But Alfred's + eye had fallen upon a bit of white flannel dangling below the bottom of + Jimmy's ulster, it travelled upward to Jimmy's unusually rotund figure. + </p> + <p> + “What have you got there?” he demanded to know, as he pointed toward the + centre button of Jimmy's overcoat. + </p> + <p> + “Here?” echoed Jimmy vapidly, glancing at the button in question, “why, + that's just a little——” There was a faint wail from the depths + of the ulster. Jimmy began to caper about with elephantine tread. “Oochie, + coochie, oochie,” he called excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter with you?” asked Alfred. The wail became a shriek. + “Good Heavens!” cried the anxious father, “it's my boy.” And with that he + pounced upon Jimmy, threw wide his ulster and snatched from his arms + Jimmy's latest contribution to Zoie's scheme of things. + </p> + <p> + As Aggie had previously remarked, all young babies look very much alike, + and to the inexperienced eye of this new and overwrought father, there was + no difference between the infant that he now pressed to his breast, and + the one that, unsuspected by him, lay peacefully dozing in the crib, not + ten feet from him. He gazed at the face of the newcomer with the same + ecstasy that he had felt in the possession of her predecessor. But Zoie + and Aggie were looking at each other with something quite different from + ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” exclaimed Alfred, with deep emotion, as he clasped the tiny + creature to his breast. Then he turned to Jimmy. “What were you doing with + my baby?” he demanded hotly. + </p> + <p> + “I—I was just taking him out for a little walk!” stammered Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “You just try,” threatened Alfred, and he towered over the intimidated + Jimmy. “Are you crazy?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy was of the opinion that he must be crazy or he would never have + found himself in such a predicament as this, but the anxious faces of Zoie + and Aggie, denied him the luxury of declaring himself so. He sank mutely + on the end of the couch and proceeded to sulk in silence. + </p> + <p> + As for Aggie and Zoie, they continued to gaze open-mouthed at Alfred, who + was waltzing about the room transported into a new heaven of delight at + having snatched his heir from the danger of another night ramble with + Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Did a horrid old Jimmy spoil his 'itty nap'?” he gurgled to Baby. Then + with a sudden exclamation of alarm, he turned toward the anxious women. + “Aggie!” he cried, as he stared intently into Baby's face. “Look—his + rash! It's turned IN!” + </p> + <p> + Aggie pretended to glance over Alfred's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Why so it has,” she agreed nervously. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do?” cried the distraught Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right now,” counselled Aggie, “so long as it didn't turn in too + suddenly.” + </p> + <p> + “We'd better keep him warm, hadn't we?” suggested Alfred, remembering + Aggie's previous instructions on a similar occasion. “I'll put him in his + crib,” he decided, and thereupon he made a quick move toward the + bassinette. + </p> + <p> + Staggering back from the cradle with the unsteadiness of a drunken man + Alfred called upon the Diety. “What is THAT?” he demanded as he pointed + toward the unexpected object before him. + </p> + <p> + Neither Zoie, Aggie, nor Jimmy could command words to assist Alfred's + rapidly waning powers of comprehension, and it was not until he had swept + each face for the third time with a look of inquiry that Zoie found breath + to stammer nervously, “Why—why—why, that's the OTHER one.” + </p> + <p> + “The other one?” echoed Alfred in a dazed manner; then he turned to Aggie + for further explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” affirmed Aggie, with an emphatic nod, “the other one.” + </p> + <p> + An undescribable joy was dawning on Alfred's face. + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean——” He stared from the infant in his arms to + the one in the cradle, then back again at Aggie and Zoie. The women + solemnly nodded their heads. Even Jimmy unblushingly acquiesced. Alfred + turned toward Zoie for the final confirmation of his hopes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear,” assented Zoie sweetly, “that's Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + What Jimmy and the women saw next appeared to be the dance of a whirling + dervish; as a matter of fact, it was merely a man, mad with delight, + clasping two infants in long clothes and circling the room with them. + </p> + <p> + When Alfred could again enunciate distinctly, he rushed to Zoie's side + with the babes in his arms. + </p> + <p> + “My darling,” he exclaimed, “why didn't you tell me?” + </p> + <p> + “I was ashamed,” whispered Zoie, hiding her head to shut out the sight of + the red faces pressed close to hers. + </p> + <p> + “My angel!” cried Alfred, struggling to control his complicated emotions; + then gazing at the precious pair in his arms, he cast his eyes devoutly + toward heaven, “Was ever a man so blessed?” + </p> + <p> + Zoie peeped from the covers with affected shyness. + </p> + <p> + “You love me just as much?” she queried. + </p> + <p> + “I love you TWICE as much,” declared Alfred, and with that he sank + exhausted on the foot of the bed, vainly trying to teeter one son on each + knee. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <p> + When Jimmy gained courage to turn his eyes in the direction of the family + group he had helped to assemble, he was not reassured by the reproachful + glances that he met from Aggie and Zoie. It was apparent that in their + minds, he was again to blame for something. Realising that they dared not + openly reproach him before Alfred, he decided to make his escape while his + friend was still in the room. He reached for his hat and tiptoed gingerly + toward the door, but just as he was congratulating himself upon his + decision, Alfred called to him with a mysterious air. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy,” he said, “just a minute,” and he nodded for Jimmy to approach. + </p> + <p> + It must have been Jimmy's guilty conscience that made him powerless to + disobey Alfred's every command. Anyway, he slunk back to the fond parent's + side, where he ultimately allowed himself to be inveigled into swinging + his new watch before the unattentive eyes of the red-faced babes on + Alfred's knees. + </p> + <p> + “Lower, Jimmy, lower,” called Alfred as Jimmy absent-mindedly allowed the + watch to swing out of the prescribed orbit. “Look at the darlings, Jimmy, + look at them,” he exclaimed as he gazed at the small creatures admiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, look at them, Jimmy,” repeated Zoie, and she glared at Jimmy behind + Alfred's back. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you wish you had one of them, Jimmy?'” asked Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Well, <i>I</i> wish he had,” commented Zoie, and she wondered how she was + ever again to detach either of them from Alfred's breast. + </p> + <p> + Before she could form any plan, the telephone rang loud and persistently. + Jimmy glanced anxiously toward the women for instructions. + </p> + <p> + “I'll answer it,” said Aggie with suspicious alacrity, and she crossed + quickly toward the 'phone. The scattered bits of conversation that Zoie + was able to gather from Aggie's end of the wire did not tend to soothe her + over-excited nerves. As for Alfred, he was fortunately so engrossed with + the babies that he took little notice of what Aggie was saying. + </p> + <p> + “What woman?” asked Aggie into the 'phone. “Where's she from?” The answer + was evidently not reassuring. “Certainly not,” exclaimed Aggie, “don't let + her come up; send her away. Mrs. Hardy can't see anyone at all.” Then + followed a bit of pantomime between Zoie and Aggie, from which it appeared + that their troubles were multiplying, then Aggie again gave her attention + to the 'phone. “I don't know anything about her,” she fibbed, “that woman + must have the wrong address.” And with that she hung up the receiver and + came towards Alfred, anxious to get possession of his two small charges + and to get them from the room, lest the mother who was apparently + downstairs should thrust herself into their midst. + </p> + <p> + “What's the trouble, Aggie?” asked Alfred, and he nodded toward the + telephone. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, just some woman with the wrong address,” answered Aggie with affected + carelessness. “You'd better let me take the babies now, Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + “Take them where?” asked Alfred with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “To bed,” answered Aggie sweetly, “they are going to sleep in the next + room with Jimmy and me.” She laid a detaining hand on Jimmy's arm. + </p> + <p> + “What's the hurry?” asked Alfred a bit disgruntled. + </p> + <p> + “It's very late,” argued Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Of course it is,” insisted Zoie. “Please, Alfred,” she pleaded, “do let + Aggie take them.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred rose reluctantly. “Mother knows best,” he sighed, but ignoring + Aggie's outstretched arms, he refused to relinquish the joy of himself + carrying the small mites to their room, and he disappeared with the two of + them, singing his now favourite lullaby. + </p> + <p> + When Alfred had left the room, Jimmy, who was now seated comfortably in + the rocker, was rudely startled by a sharp voice at either side of him. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” shrieked Zoie, with all the disapproval that could be got into the + one small word. + </p> + <p> + “You're very clever, aren't you?” sneered Aggie at Jimmy's other elbow. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy stared from one to the other. + </p> + <p> + “A nice fix you've got me into NOW,” reproved Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you get out when you had the chance?” demanded Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “You would take your own sweet time, wouldn't you,” said Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “What did I tell you?” asked Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “What does he care?” exclaimed Zoie, and she walked up and down the room + excitedly, oblivious of the disarrangement of her flying negligee. “He's + perfectly comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes,” assented Jimmy, as he sank back into the rocker and began + propelling himself to and fro. “I never felt better,” but a disinterested + observer would have seen in him the picture of discomfort. + </p> + <p> + “You're going to feel a great deal WORSE,” he was warned by Aggie. “Do you + know who that was on the telephone?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy looked at her mutely. + </p> + <p> + “The mother!” said Aggie emphatically + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “She's down stairs,” explained Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy had stopped rocking—his face now wore an uneasy expression. + </p> + <p> + “It's time you showed a little human intelligence,” taunted Zoie, then she + turned her back upon him and continued to Aggie, “what did she say?” + </p> + <p> + “She says,” answered Aggie, with a threatening glance toward Jimmy, “that + she won't leave this place until Jimmy gives her baby back.” + </p> + <p> + “Let her have her old baby,” said Jimmy. “I don't want it.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't want it?” snapped Zoie indignantly, “what have YOU got to do + with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh nothing, nothing,” acquiesced Jimmy meekly, “I'm a mere detail.” + </p> + <p> + “A lot you care what becomes of me,” exclaimed Zoie reproachfully; then + she turned to Aggie with a decided nod. “Well, I want it,” she asserted. + </p> + <p> + “But Zoie,” protested Aggie in astonishment, “you can't mean to keep BOTH + of them?” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly DO,” said Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “What?” cried Aggie and Jimmy in concert. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy has presented Alfred with twins,” continued Zoie testily, “and now, + he has to HAVE twins.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy's eyes were growing rounder and rounder. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” continued Zoie, with a growing sense of indignation, “what + would happen to me if I told Alfred NOW that he WASN'T the father of + twins? He'd fly straight out of that door and I'd never see him again.” + </p> + <p> + Aggie admitted that Zoie was no doubt speaking the truth. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy has awakened Alfred's paternal instinct for twins,” declared Zoie, + with another emphatic nod of her head, “and now Jimmy must take the + consequences.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy tried to frame a few faint objections, but Zoie waved him aside, + with a positive air. “It's no use arguing. If it were only ONE, it + wouldn't be so bad, but to tell Alfred that he's lost twins, he couldn't + live through it.” + </p> + <p> + “But Zoie,” argued Aggie, “we can't have that mother hanging around down + stairs until that baby is an old man. She'll have us arrested, the next + thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Why arrest US?” asked Zoie, with wide baby eyes. “WE didn't take it. Old + slow-poke took it.” And she nodded toward the now utterly vanquished + Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “That's right,” murmured Jimmy, with a weak attempt at sarcasm, “don't + leave me out of anything good.” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn't matter WHICH one she arrests,” decided the practical Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it matters to me,” objected Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “And to me too, if it's all the same to you,” protested Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Whoever it is,” continued Aggie, “the truth is bound to come out. Alfred + will have to know sooner or later, so we might as well make a clean breast + of it, first as last.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the first sensible thing you've said in three months,” declared + Jimmy with reviving hope. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, is that so?” sneered Zoie, and she levelled her most malicious look + at Jimmy. “What do you think Alfred would do to YOU, Mr. Jimmy, if he knew + the truth? YOU'RE the one who sent him the telegram; you are the one who + told him that he was a FATHER.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true,” admitted Aggie, with a wrinkled forehead. + </p> + <p> + Zoie was quick to see her advantage. She followed it up. “And Alfred + hasn't any sense of humour, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “How could he have?” groaned Jimmy; “he's married.” And with that he sank + into his habitual state of dumps. + </p> + <p> + “Your sarcasm will do a great deal of good,” flashed Zoie. Then she + dismissed him with a nod, and crossed to her dressing table. + </p> + <p> + “But Zoie,” persisted Aggie, as she followed her young friend in + trepidation, “don't you realise that if you persist in keeping this baby, + that mother will dog Jimmy's footsteps for the rest of his life?” + </p> + <p> + “That will be nice,” murmured Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + Zoie busied herself with her toilet, and turned a deaf ear to Aggie. There + was a touch of genuine emotion in Aggie's voice when she continued. + </p> + <p> + “Just think of it, Zoie, Jimmy will never be able to come and go like a + free man again.” + </p> + <p> + “What do I care how he comes and goes?” exclaimed Zoie impatiently. “If + Jimmy had gone when we told him to go, that woman would have had her old + baby by now; but he didn't, oh no! All he ever does is to sit around and + talk about his dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” cried Jimmy hotly, “and that's about as far as I ever GET with it.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll never get anywhere with anything,” was Zoie's exasperating answer. + “You're too slow.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's nothing slow about you,” retorted Jimmy, stung to a frenzy + by her insolence. + </p> + <p> + “Oh please, please,” interposed Aggie, desperately determined to keep + these two irascible persons to the main issue. “What are we going to tell + that mother?” + </p> + <p> + “You can tell her whatever you like,” answered Zoie, with an impudent toss + of her head, “but I'll NOT give up that baby until I get ANOTHER one.' + </p> + <p> + “Another?” almost shrieked Jimmy. It was apparent that he must needs + increase the number of his brain cells if he were to follow this + extraordinary young woman's line of thought much further. “You don't + expect to go on multiplying them forever, do you?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “YOU are the one who has been multiplying them,” was Zoie's disconcerting + reply. + </p> + <p> + It was evident to Jimmy that he could not think fast enough nor clearly + enough to save himself from a mental disaster if he continued to argue + with the shameless young woman, so he contented himself by rocking to and + fro and murmuring dismally that he had “known from the first that it was + to be an endless chain.” + </p> + <p> + While Zoie and Jimmy had been wrangling, Aggie had been weighing the pros + and cons of the case. She now turned to Jimmy with a tone of firm but + motherly decision. “Zoie is quite right,” she said. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy rolled his large eyes up at his spouse with a “you too, Brutus,” + expression. + </p> + <p> + Aggie continued mercilessly, “It's the only way, Jimmy.” + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Aggie arrived at her decision than Zoie upset her + tranquillity by a triumphant expression of “I have it.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy and Aggie gazed at Zoie's radiant face in consternation. They were + accustomed to see only reproach there. Her sudden enthusiasm increased + Jimmy's uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “YOU have it,” he grunted without attempting to conceal his disgust. + “SHE'S the one who generally has it.” And he nodded toward Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Inflamed by her young friend's enthusiasm, Aggie rushed to her eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Zoie?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “The washerwoman!” exclaimed Zoie, as though the revelation had come + straight from heaven. “SHE HAD TWINS,” and with that, two pairs of eyes + turned expectantly toward the only man in the room. + </p> + <p> + Tracing the pattern of the rug with his toe, Jimmy remained stubbornly + oblivious of their attentions. He rearranged the pillows on the couch, and + finally, for want of a better occupation, he wound his watch. All to no + avail. He could feel Zoie's cat-like gaze upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy can get the other one,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “The hell I can,” exclaimed Jimmy, starting to his feet and no longer + considering time or place. + </p> + <p> + The two women gazed at him reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” cried Aggie, in a shocked, hurt voice. “That's the first time + I've ever heard you swear.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it won't be the LAST time,” declared Jimmy hotly, “if THIS keeps + up.” His eyes were blazing. He paced to and fro like an infuriated lion. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest,” said Aggie, “you look almost imposing.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” interrupted Zoie, who found Jimmy unusually ridiculous. “If + I'd known that Jimmy was going to put such an idea into Alfred's head, I'd + have got the two in the first place.” + </p> + <p> + “Will she let us HAVE the other?” asked Aggie with some misgiving. + </p> + <p> + “Of course she will,” answered Zoie, leaving Jimmy entirely out of the + conversation. “She's as poor as a church mouse. I'll pay her well. She'll + never miss it. What could she do with one twin, anyway?” + </p> + <p> + A snort of rage from Jimmy did not disturb Zoie's enthusiasm. She + proceeded to elaborate her plan. + </p> + <p> + “I'll adopt them,” she declared, “I'll leave them all Alfred's money. + Think of Alfred having real live twins for keeps.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be nice, wouldn't it?” commented Jimmy sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + Zoie turned to Jimmy, as though they were on the best of terms. + </p> + <p> + “How much money have you?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + Before Jimmy could declare himself penniless, Aggie answered for him with + the greatest enthusiasm, “He has a whole lot; he drew some today.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” exclaimed Zoie to the abashed Jimmy, and then she continued in a + matter-of-fact tone, “Now, Jimmy,” she said, “you go give the washwoman + what money you have on account, then tell her to come around here in the + morning when Alfred has gone out and I'll settle all the details with her. + Go on now, Jimmy,” she continued, “you don't need another letter.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” chimed in Aggie sweetly; “you know her now, dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” corroborated Jimmy, with a sarcastic smile and without budging + from the spot on which he stood, “we are great pals now.” + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter?” asked Zoie, astonished that Jimmy was not starting on + his mission with alacrity. “What are you waiting for?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy merely continued to smile enigmatically. + </p> + <p> + “You know what happened the last time you hesitated,” warned Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “I know what happened when I DIDN'T hesitate,” ruminated Jimmy, still + holding his ground. + </p> + <p> + Zoie's eyes were wide with surprise. “You don't mean to say,” she + exclaimed incredulously, “that you aren't GOING—after we have + thought all this out just to SAVE you?” + </p> + <p> + “Say,” answered Jimmy, with a confidential air, “do me a favour, will you? + Stop thinking out things to 'save me.'” + </p> + <p> + “But, Jimmy——” protested both women simultaneously; but before + they could get further Alfred's distressed voice reached them from the + next room. + </p> + <p> + “Aggie!” he called frantically. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <p> + What seemed to be a streak of pink through the room was in reality Zoie + bolting for the bed. + </p> + <p> + While Zoie hastened to snuggle comfortably under the covers, Aggie tried + without avail to get Jimmy started on his errand. + </p> + <p> + Getting no response from Aggie, Alfred, bearing one infant in his arms, + came in search of her. Apparently he was having difficulty with the + unfastening of baby's collar. + </p> + <p> + “Aggie,” he called sharply, “how on earth do you get this fool pin out?” + </p> + <p> + “Take him back, Alfred,” answered Aggie impatiently; “I'll be there in a + minute.” + </p> + <p> + But Alfred had apparently made up his mind that he was not a success as a + nurse. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better take him now, Aggie,” he decided, as he offered the small + person to the reluctant Aggie. “I'll stay here and talk to Jimmy.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but Jimmy was just going out,” answered Aggie; then she turned to her + obdurate spouse with mock sweetness, “Weren't you, dear?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” affirmed Zoie, with a threatening glance toward Jimmy. “He was + going, just now.” + </p> + <p> + Still Jimmy remained rooted to the spot. + </p> + <p> + “Out?” questioned Alfred. “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Just for a little air,” explained Aggie blandly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” growled Jimmy, “another little heir.” + </p> + <p> + “Air?” repeated Alfred in surprise. “He had air a while ago with my son. + He is going to stay here and tell me the news. Sit down, Jimmy,” he + commanded, and to the intense annoyance of Aggie and Zoie, Jimmy sank + resignedly on the couch. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was about to seat himself beside his friend, when the 'phone rang + violently. Being nearest to the instrument, Alfred reached it first and + Zoie and Aggie awaited the consequences in dread. What they heard did not + reassure them nor Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Still down there?” exclaimed Alfred into the 'phone. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy began to wriggle with a vague uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued Alfred at the 'phone, “that woman has the wrong number.” + Then with a peremptory “Wait a minute,” he turned to Zoie, “The hall boy + says that woman who called a while ago is still down stairs and she won't + go away until she has seen you, Zoie. She has some kind of an idiotic idea + that you know where her baby is.” + </p> + <p> + “How absurd,” sneered Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “How silly,” added Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “How foolish,” grunted Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” decided Alfred, “I'd better go down stairs and see what's the + matter with her,” and he turned toward the door to carry out his + intention. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred!” called Zoie sharply. She was half out of bed in her anxiety. + “You'll do no such thing. 'Phone down to the boy to send her away. She's + crazy.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Alfred, “then she's been here before? Who is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Who is she?” answered Zoie, trying to gain time for a new inspiration. + “Why, she's—she's——” her face lit up with satisfaction—the + idea had arrived. “She's the nurse,” she concluded emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “The nurse?” repeated Alfred, a bit confused. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Zoie, pretending to be annoyed with his dull memory. + “She's the one I told you about, the one I had to discharge.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Alfred, with the relief of sudden comprehension; “the crazy + one?” + </p> + <p> + Aggie and Zoie nodded their heads and smiled at him tolerantly, then Zoie + continued to elaborate. “You see,” she said, “the poor creature was so + insane about little Jimmy that I couldn't go near the child.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Alfred in a mighty rage. “I'll soon tell the boy what to + do with her,” he declared, and he rushed to the 'phone. Barely had Alfred + taken the receiver from the hook when the outer door was heard to bang. + Before he could speak a distracted young woman, whose excitable manner + bespoke her foreign origin, swept through the door without seeing him and + hurled herself at the unsuspecting Zoie. The woman's black hair was + dishevelled, and her large shawl had fallen from her shoulders. To Jimmy, + who was crouching behind an armchair, she seemed a giantess. + </p> + <p> + “My baby!” cried the frenzied mother, with what was unmistakably an + Italian accent. “Where is he?” There was no answer; her eyes sought the + cradle. “Ah!” she shrieked, then upon finding the cradle empty, she + redoubled her lamentations and again she bore down upon the terrified + Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “You,” she cried, “you know where my baby is!” + </p> + <p> + For answer, Zoie sank back amongst her pillows and drew the bed covers + completely over her head. Alfred approached the bed to protect his young + wife; the Italian woman wheeled about and perceived a small child in his + arms. She threw herself upon him. + </p> + <p> + “I knew it,” she cried; “I knew it!” + </p> + <p> + Managing to disengage himself from what he considered a mad woman, and + elevating one elbow between her and the child, Alfred prevented the mother + from snatching the small creature from his arms. + </p> + <p> + “Calm yourself, madam,” he commanded with a superior air. “We are very + sorry for you, of course, but we can't have you coming here and going on + like this. He's OUR baby and——” + </p> + <p> + “He's NOT your baby!” cried the infuriated mother; “he's MY baby. Give him + to me. Give him to me,” and with that she sprang upon the uncomfortable + Alfred like a tigress. Throwing her whole weight on his uplifted elbow, + she managed to pull down his arm until she could look into the face of the + washerwoman's promising young offspring. The air was rent by a scream that + made each individual hair of Jimmy's head stand up in its own defence. He + could feel a sickly sensation at the top of his short thick neck. + </p> + <p> + “He's NOT my baby,” wailed the now demented mother, little dreaming that + the infant for which she was searching was now reposing comfortably on a + soft pillow in the adjoining room. + </p> + <p> + As for Alfred, all of this was merely confirmation of Zoie's statement + that this poor soul was crazy, and he was tempted to dismiss her with + worthy forbearance. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad, madam,” he said, “that you are coming to your senses.” + </p> + <p> + Now, all would have gone well and the bewildered mother would no doubt + have left the room convinced of her mistake, had not Jimmy's nerves got + the better of his judgment. Having slipped cautiously from his position + behind the armchair he was tiptoeing toward the door, and was flattering + himself on his escape, when suddenly, as his forward foot cautiously + touched the threshold, he heard the cry of the captor in his wake, and + before he could possibly command the action of his other foot, he felt + himself being forcibly drawn backward by what appeared to be his too + tenacious coat-tails. + </p> + <p> + “If only they would tear,” thought Jimmy, but thanks to the excellence of + the tailor that Aggie had selected for him, they did NOT “tear.” + </p> + <p> + Not until she had anchored Jimmy safely to the centre of the rug did the + irate mother pour out the full venom of her resentment toward him. From + the mixture of English and Italian that followed, it was apparent that she + was accusing Jimmy of having stolen her baby. + </p> + <p> + “Take me to him,” she demanded tragically; “my baby—take me to him!” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy appealed to Aggie and Zoie. Their faces were as blank as his own. He + glanced at Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Humour her,” whispered Alfred, much elated by the evidence of his own + self-control as compared to Jimmy's utter demoralisation under the + apparently same circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Still Jimmy did not budge. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was becoming vexed; he pointed first to his own forehead, then to + that of Jimmy's hysterical captor. He even illustrated his meaning by + making a rotary motion with his forefinger, intended to remind Jimmy that + the woman was a lunatic. + </p> + <p> + Still Jimmy only stared at him and all the while the woman was becoming + more and more emphatic in her declaration that Jimmy knew where her baby + was. + </p> + <p> + “Sure, Jimmy,” said Alfred, out of all patience with Jimmy's stupidity and + tiring of the strain of the woman's presence. “You know where her baby + is.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” cried the mother, and she towered over Jimmy with a wild light in + her eyes. “Take me to him,” she demanded; “take me to him.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy rolled his large eyes first toward Aggie, then toward Zoie and at + last toward Alfred. There was no mercy to be found anywhere. + </p> + <p> + “Take her to him, Jimmy,” commanded a concert of voices; and pursued by a + bundle of waving colours and a medley of discordant sounds, Jimmy shot + from the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> + <p> + The departure of Jimmy and the crazed mother was the occasion for a + general relaxing among the remaining occupants of the room. Exhausted by + what had passed Zoie had ceased to interest herself in the future. It was + enough for the present that she could sink back upon her pillows and draw + a long breath without an evil face bending over her, and without the air + being rent by screams. + </p> + <p> + As for Aggie, she fell back upon the window seat and closed her eyes. The + horrors into which Jimmy might be rushing had not yet presented themselves + to her imagination. + </p> + <p> + Of the three, Alfred was the only one who had apparently received + exhilaration from the encounter. He was strutting about the room with the + babe in his arms, undoubtedly enjoying the sensations of a hero. When he + could sufficiently control his feeling of elation, he looked down at the + small person with an air of condescension and again lent himself to the + garbled sort of language with which defenceless infants are inevitably + persecuted. + </p> + <p> + “Tink of dat horrid old woman wanting to steal our own little oppsie, + woppsie, toppsie babykins,” he said. Then he turned to Zoie with an air of + great decision. “That woman ought to be locked up,” he declared, “she's + dangerous,” and with that he crossed to Aggie and hurriedly placed the + infant in her unsuspecting arms. “Here, Aggie,” he said, “you take Alfred + and get him into bed.” + </p> + <p> + Glad of an excuse to escape to the next room and recover her self control, + Aggie quickly disappeared with the child. + </p> + <p> + For some moments Alfred continued to pace up and down the room; then he + came to a full stop before Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “I'll have to have something done to that woman,” he declared + emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy will do enough to her,” sighed Zoie, weakly. + </p> + <p> + “She's no business to be at large,” continued Alfred; then, with a + business-like air, he started toward the telephone. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going?” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Alfred did not answer. He was now calling into the 'phone, “Give me + information.” + </p> + <p> + “What on earth are you doing?” demanded Zoie, more and more disturbed by + his mysterious manner. + </p> + <p> + “One can't be too careful,” retorted Alfred in his most paternal fashion; + “there's an awful lot of kidnapping going on these days.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you don't suspect information, do you?” asked Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Again Alfred ignored her; he was intent upon things of more importance. + </p> + <p> + “Hello,” he called into the 'phone, “is this information?” Apparently it + was for he continued, with a satisfied air, “Well, give me the Fullerton + Street Police Station.” + </p> + <p> + “The Police?” cried Zoie, sitting up in bed and looking about the room + with a new sense of alarm. + </p> + <p> + Alfred did not answer. + </p> + <p> + “Aggie!” shrieked the over-wrought young wife. + </p> + <p> + Alfred attempted to reassure her. “Now, now, dear, don't get nervous,” he + said, “I am only taking the necessary precautions.” And again he turned to + the 'phone. + </p> + <p> + Alarmed by Zoie's summons, Aggie entered the room hastily. She was not + reassured upon hearing Alfred's further conversation at the 'phone. + </p> + <p> + “Is this the Fullerton Street Police Station?” asked Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “The Police!” echoed Aggie, and her eyes sought Zoie's inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Sh! Sh!” called Alfred over his shoulder to the excited Aggie, then he + continued into the 'phone. “Is Donneghey there?” There was a pause. Alfred + laughed jovially. “It is? Well, hello, Donneghey, this is your old friend + Hardy, Alfred Hardy at the Sherwood. I've just got back,” then he broke + the happy news to the no doubt appreciative Donneghey. “What do you + think?” he said, “I'm a happy father.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie puckered her small face in disgust. + </p> + <p> + Alfred continued to elucidate joyfully at the 'phone. + </p> + <p> + “Doubles,” he said, “yes—sure—on the level.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know why you have to tell the whole neighbourhood,” snapped Zoie. + Her colour was visibly rising. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred was now in the full glow of his genial account to his friend. + “Set 'em up?” he repeated in answer to an evident suggestion from the + other end of the line, “I should say I would. The drinks are on me. Tell + the boys I'll be right over. And say, Donneghey,” he added, in a more + confidential tone, “I want to bring one of the men home with me. I want + him to keep an eye on the house to-night”; then after a pause, he + concluded confidentially, “I'll tell you all about it when I get there. It + looks like a kidnapping scheme to me,” and with that he hung up the + receiver, unmistakably pleased with himself, and turned his beaming face + toward Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right, dear,” he said, rubbing his hands together with evident + satisfaction, “Donneghey is going to let us have a Special Officer to + watch the house to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't HAVE a special officer,” declared Zoie vehemently; then becoming + aware of Alfred's great surprise, she explained half-tearfully, “I'm not + going to have the police hanging around our very door. I would feel as + though I were in prison.” + </p> + <p> + “You ARE in prison, my dear,” returned the now irrepressible Alfred. “A + prison of love—you and our precious boys.” He stooped and implanted + a gracious kiss on her forehead, then turned toward the table for his hat. + “Now,” he said, “I'll just run around the corner, set up the drinks for + the boys, and bring the officer home with me,” and drawing himself up + proudly, he cried gaily in parting, “I'll bet there's not another man in + Chicago who has what I have to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not,” groaned Zoie. as the door closed behind him. Then, thrusting + her two small feet from beneath the coverlet and perching on the side of + the bed, she declared to Aggie that “Alfred was getting more idiotic every + minute.” + </p> + <p> + “He's worse than idiotic,” corrected Aggie. “He's getting dangerous. If he + gets the police around here before we give that baby back, they'll get the + mother. She'll tell all she knows and that will be the end of Jimmy!” + </p> + <p> + “End of Jimmy?” exclaimed Zoie, “it'll be the end of ALL of us.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see our pictures in the papers, right now,” groaned Aggie. “Jimmy + will be the villain.” + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy IS a villain,” declared Zoie. “Where is he? Why doesn't he come + back? How am I ever going to get that other twin?” + </p> + <p> + “There is only one thing to do,” decided Aggie, “I must go for it myself.” + And she snatched up her cape from the couch and started toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “You?” cried Zoie, in alarm, “and leave me alone?” + </p> + <p> + “It's our only chance,” argued Aggie. “I'll have to do it now, before + Alfred gets back.” + </p> + <p> + “But Aggie,” protested Zoie, clinging to her departing friend, “suppose + that crazy mother should come back?” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” replied Aggie, and before Zoie could actually realise what was + happening the bang of the outside door told her that she was alone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV + </h2> + <p> + Wondering what new terrors awaited her, Zoie glanced uncertainly from door + to door. So strong had become her habit of taking refuge in the bed, that + unconsciously she backed toward it now. Barely had she reached the centre + of the room when a terrific crash of breaking glass from the adjoining + room sent her shrieking in terror over the footboard, and head first under + the covers. Here she would doubtless have remained until suffocated, had + not Jimmy in his backward flight from one of the inner rooms overturned a + large rocker. This additional shock to Zoie's overstrung nerves forced a + wild scream from her lips, and an answering exclamation from the + nerve-racked Jimmy made her sit bolt upright. She gazed at him in + astonishment. His tie was awry, one end of his collar had taken leave of + its anchorage beneath his stout chin, and was now just tickling the edge + of his red, perspiring brow. His hair was on end and his feelings were + undeniably ruffled. As usual Zoie's greeting did not tend to conciliate + him. + </p> + <p> + “How did YOU get here?” she asked with an air of reproach. + </p> + <p> + “The fire-escape,” panted Jimmy and he nodded mysteriously toward the + inner rooms of the apartment. + </p> + <p> + “Fire-escape?” echoed Zoie. There was only one and that led through the + bathroom window. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy explained no further. He was now peeping cautiously out of the + window toward the pavement below. + </p> + <p> + “Where's the mother?” demanded Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy jerked his thumb in the direction of the street. Zoie gazed at him + with grave apprehension. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” she exclaimed. “You haven't killed her?” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy shook his head and continued to peer cautiously out of the window. + </p> + <p> + “What did you do with her?” called the now exasperated Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “What did <i>I</i> do with her?” repeated Jimmy, a flash of his old + resentment returning. “What did SHE do with ME?” + </p> + <p> + For the first time, Zoie became fully conscious of Jimmy's ludicrous + appearance. Her overstrained nerves gave way and she began to laugh + hysterically. + </p> + <p> + “Say,” shouted Jimmy, towering over the bed and devoutly wishing that she + were his wife so that he might strike her with impunity. “Don't you sic + any more lunatics onto me.” + </p> + <p> + It is doubtful whether Zoie's continued laughter might not have provoked + Jimmy to desperate measures, had not the 'phone at that moment directed + their thoughts toward worse possibilities. After the instrument had + continued to ring persistently for what seemed to Zoie an age, she + motioned to Jimmy to answer it. He responded by retreating to the other + side of the room. + </p> + <p> + “It may be Aggie,” suggested Zoie. + </p> + <p> + For the first time, Jimmy became aware that Aggie was nowhere in the + apartment. + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord!” he exclaimed, as he realised that he was again tete-a-tete + with the terror of his dreams. “Where IS Aggie?” + </p> + <p> + “Gone to do what YOU should have done,” was Zoie's characteristic answer. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” answered Jimmy hotly, “it's about time that somebody besides me + did something around this place.” + </p> + <p> + “YOU,” mocked Zoie, “all YOU'VE ever done was to hoodoo me from the very + beginning.” + </p> + <p> + “If you'd taken my advice,” answered Jimmy, “and told your husband the + truth about the luncheon, there'd never have been any 'beginning.'” + </p> + <p> + “If, if, if,” cried Zoie, in an agony of impatience, “if you'd tipped that + horrid old waiter enough, he'd never have told anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not buying waiters to cover up your crimes,” announced Jimmy with his + most self-righteous air. + </p> + <p> + “You'll be buying more than that to cover up your OWN crimes before you've + finished,” retorted Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Before I've finished with YOU, yes,” agreed Jimmy. He wheeled upon her + with increasing resentment. “Do you know where I expect to end up?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + “I know where you OUGHT to end up,” snapped Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “I'll finish in the electric chair,” said Jimmy. “I can feel blue + lightning chasing up and down my spine right now.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I wish you HAD finished in the electric chair,” declared Zoie, + “before you ever dragged me into that awful old restaurant.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you do, do you?” answered Jimmy shaking his fist at her across the + foot of the bed. For the want of adequate words to express his further + feelings, Jimmy was beginning to jibber, when the outer door was heard to + close, and he turned to behold Aggie entering hurriedly with something + partly concealed by her long cape. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right,” explained Aggie triumphantly to Zoie. “I've got it.” She + threw her cape aside and disclosed the fruits of her conquest. + </p> + <p> + “So,” snorted Jimmy in disgust, slightly miffed by the apparent ease with + which Aggie had accomplished a task about which he had made so much ado, + “you've gone into the business too, have you?” + </p> + <p> + Aggie deigned no reply to him. She continued in a businesslike tone to + Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Where's Alfred?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Still out,” answered Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Thank Heaven,” sighed Aggie, then she turned to Jimmy and addressed him + in rapid, decided tones. “Now, dear,” she said, “I'll just put the new + baby to bed, then I'll give you the other one and you can take it right + down to the mother.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy made a vain start in the direction of the fire-escape. Four + detaining hands were laid upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Don't try anything like that,” warned Aggie; “you can't get out of this + house without that baby. The mother is down stairs now. She's guarding the + door. I saw her.” And Aggie sailed triumphantly out of the room to make + the proposed exchange of babies. + </p> + <p> + Before Jimmy was able to suggest to himself an escape from Aggie's last + plan of action, the telephone again began to cry for attention. + </p> + <p> + Neither Jimmy nor Zoie could summon courage to approach the impatient + instrument, and as usual Zoie cried frantically for Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Aggie was not long in returning to the room and this time she bore in her + arms the infant so strenuously demanded by its mad mother. + </p> + <p> + “Here you are, Jimmy,” she said; “here's the other one. Now take him down + stairs quickly before Alfred gets back.” She attempted to place the + unresisting babe in Jimmy's chubby arms, but Jimmy's freedom was not to be + so easily disposed of. + </p> + <p> + “What!” he exclaimed, backing away from the small creature in fear and + abhorrence, “take that bundle of rags down to the hotel office and have + that woman hystericing all over me. No, thanks.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh well,” answered Aggie, distracted by the persistent ringing of the + 'phone, “then hold him a minute until I answer the 'phone.” + </p> + <p> + This at least was a compromise, and reluctantly Jimmy allowed the now + wailing infant to be placed in his arms. + </p> + <p> + “Jig it, Jimmy, jig it,” cried Zoie. Jimmy looked down helplessly at the + baby's angry red face, but before he had made much headway with the + “jigging,” Aggie returned to them, much excited by the message which she + had just received over the telephone. + </p> + <p> + “That mother is making a scene down stairs in the office,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “You hear,” chided Zoie, in a fury at Jimmy, “what did Aggie tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “If she wants this thing,” maintained Jimmy, looking down at the bundle in + his arms, “she can come after it.” + </p> + <p> + “We can't have her up here,” objected Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred may be back at any minute. He'd catch her. You know what happened + the last time we tried to change them.” + </p> + <p> + “You can send it down the chimney, for all I care,” concluded Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “I have it!” exclaimed Aggie, her face suddenly illumined. + </p> + <p> + “Oh Lord,” groaned Jimmy, who had come to regard any elation on Zoie's or + Aggie's part as a sure forewarner of ultimate discomfort for him. + </p> + <p> + Again Aggie had recourse to the 'phone. + </p> + <p> + “Hello,” she called to the office boy, “tell that woman to go around to + the back door, and we'll send something down to her.” There was a slight + pause, then Aggie added sweetly, “Yes, tell her to wait at the foot of the + fire-escape.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie had already caught the drift of Aggie's intention and she now fixed + her glittering eyes upon Jimmy, who was already shifting about uneasily + and glancing at Aggie, who approached him with a business-like air. + </p> + <p> + “Now, dear,” said Aggie, “come with me. I'll hand Baby out through the + bathroom window and you can run right down the fire-escape with him.” + </p> + <p> + “If I do run down the fire-escape,” exclaimed Jimmy, wagging his large + head from side to side, “I'll keep right on RUNNING. That's the last + you'll ever see of me.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Jimmy,” protested Aggie, slightly hurt by his threat, “once that + woman gets her baby you'll have no more trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “With you two still alive?” asked Jimmy, looking from one to the other. + </p> + <p> + “She'll be up here if you don't hurry,” urged Aggie impatiently, and with + that she pulled Jimmy toward the bedroom door. + </p> + <p> + “Let her come,” said Jimmy, planting his feet so as to resist Aggie's + repeated tugs, “I'm going to South America.” + </p> + <p> + “Why will you act like this,” cried Aggie, in utter desperation, “when we + have so little time?” + </p> + <p> + “Say,” said Jimmy irrelevantly, “do you know that I haven't had any——” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” interrupted Aggie and Zoie in chorus, “we know.” + </p> + <p> + “How long,” continued Zoie impatiently, “is it going to take you to slip + down that fire-escape?” + </p> + <p> + “That depends on how fast I 'slip,'” answered Jimmy doggedly. + </p> + <p> + “You'll 'slip' all right,” sneered Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Further exchange of pleasantries between these two antagonists was cut + short by the banging of the outside door. + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens!” exclaimed Aggie, glancing nervously over her shoulder, + “there's Alfred now. Hurry, Jimmy, hurry,” she cried, and with that she + fairly forced Jimmy out through the bedroom door, and followed in his wake + to see him safely down the fire-escape. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI + </h2> + <p> + Zoie had barely time to arrange herself after the manner of an interesting + invalid, when Alfred entered the room in the gayest of spirits. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, dearie,” he cried as he crossed quickly to her side. + </p> + <p> + “Already?” asked Zoie faintly and she glanced uneasily toward the door, + through which Jimmy and Aggie had just disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “I told you I shouldn't be long,” said Alfred jovially, and he implanted a + condescending kiss on her forehead. “How is the little mother, eh?” he + asked, rubbing his hands together in satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “You're all cold,” pouted Zoie, edging away, “and you've been drinking.” + </p> + <p> + “I had to have one or two with the boys,” said Alfred, throwing out his + chest and strutting about the room, “but never again. From now on I cut + out all drinks and cigars. This is where I begin to live my life for our + sons.” + </p> + <p> + “How about your life for me?” asked Zoie, as she began to see long years + of boredom stretching before her. + </p> + <p> + “You and our boys are one and the same, dear,” answered Alfred, coming + back to her side. + </p> + <p> + “You mean you couldn't go on loving ME if it weren't for the BOYS?” asked + Zoie, with anxiety. She was beginning to realise how completely her hold + upon him depended upon her hideous deception. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I could, Zoie,” answered Alfred, flattered by what he + considered her desire for his complete devotion, “but——” + </p> + <p> + “But not so MUCH,” pouted Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Well, of course, dear,” admitted Alfred evasively, as he sank down upon + the edge of the bed by her side— + </p> + <p> + “You needn't say another word,” interrupted Zoie, and then with a shade of + genuine repentance, she declared shame-facedly that she hadn't been “much + of a wife” to Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” contradicted the proud young father, “you've given me the ONE + thing that I wanted most in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “But you see, dear,” said Zoie, as she wound her little white arms about + his neck, and looked up into his face adoringly, “YOU'VE been the 'ONE' + thing that I wanted 'MOST' and I never realised until to-night how—how + crazy you are about things.” + </p> + <p> + “What things?” asked Alfred, a bit puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Zoie, letting her eyes fall before his and picking at a bit + of imaginary lint on the coverlet, “babies and things.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Alfred, and he was about to proceed when she again interrupted + him. + </p> + <p> + “But now that I DO realise it,” continued Zoie, earnestly, her fingers on + his lips, lest he again interrupt, “if you'll only have a little patience + with me, I'll—I'll——” again her eyes fell bashfully to + the coverlet, as she considered the possibility of being ultimately + obliged to replace the bogus twins with real ones. + </p> + <p> + “All the patience in the world,” answered Alfred, little dreaming of the + problem that confronted the contrite Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “That's all I ask,” declared Zoie, her assurance completely restored, “and + in case anything SHOULD happen to THESE——” she glanced + anxiously toward the door through which Aggie had borne the twins. + </p> + <p> + “But nothing is going to happen to these, dear,” interrupted Alfred, + rising and again assuming an air of fatherly protection. “I'll attend to + that. There, there,” he added, patting her small shoulder and nodding his + head wisely. “That crazy woman has got on your nerves, but you needn't + worry, I've got everything fixed. Donneghey sent a special officer over + with me. He's outside watching the house, now.” + </p> + <p> + “Now!” shrieked Zoie, fixing her eyes on the bedroom door, through which + Jimmy had lately disappeared and wondering whether he had yet “slipped” + down the fire-escape. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” continued Alfred, walking up and down the floor with a masterly + stride. “If that woman is caught hanging around here again, she'll get a + little surprise. My boys are safe now, God bless them!” Then reminded of + the fact that he had not seen them since his return, he started quickly + toward the bedroom door. “I'll just have a look at the little rascals,” he + decided. + </p> + <p> + “No, dear,” cried Zoie. She caught Alfred's arm as he passed the side of + her bed, and clung to him in desperation. “Wait a minute.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred looked down at her in surprise. + </p> + <p> + She turned her face toward the door, and called lustily, “Aggie! Aggie!” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, dear?” questioned Alfred, thinking Zoie suddenly ill, “can I + get you something?” + </p> + <p> + Before Zoie was obliged to reply, Aggie answered her summons. + </p> + <p> + “Did you call?” she asked, glancing inquiringly into Zoie's distressed + face. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred's here,” said Zoie, with a sickly smile as she stroked his hand + and glanced meaningly at Aggie. “He's GOT the OFFICER!” + </p> + <p> + “The OFFICER?” cried Aggie, and involuntarily she took a step backward, as + though to guard the bedroom door. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Alfred, mistaking Aggie's surprise for a compliment to his + resource; “and now, Aggie, if you'll just stay with Zoie for a minute I'll + have a look at my boys.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” exclaimed Aggie, nervously, and she placed herself again in + front of the bedroom door. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was plainly annoyed by her proprietory air. + </p> + <p> + “They're asleep,” explained Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “I'll not WAKE them,” persisted Alfred, “I just wish to have a LOOK at + them,” and with that he again made a move toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “But Alfred,” protested Zoie, still clinging to his hand, “you're not + going to leave me again—so soon.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was becoming more and more restive under the seeming absurdity of + their persistent opposition, but before he could think of a polite way of + over-ruling them, Aggie continued persuasively. + </p> + <p> + “You stay with Zoie,” she said. “I'll bring the boys in here and you can + both have a look at them.” + </p> + <p> + “But Aggie,” argued Alfred, puzzled by her illogical behaviour, “would it + be wise to wake them?” + </p> + <p> + “Just this once,” said Aggie. “Now you stay here and I'll get them.” + Before Alfred could protest further she was out of the room and the door + had closed behind her, so he resigned himself to her decision, banished + his temporary annoyance at her obstinacy, and glanced about the room with + a new air of proprietorship. + </p> + <p> + “This is certainly a great night, Zoie,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “It certainly is,” acquiesced Zoie, with an over emphasis that made Alfred + turn to her with new concern. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid that mad woman made you very nervous, dear,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “She certainly did,” said Zoie. + </p> + <p> + Zoie's nerves were destined to bear still further strain, for at that + moment, there came a sharp ring at the door. + </p> + <p> + Beside herself with anxiety Zoie threw her arms about Alfred, who had + advanced to soothe her, drew him down by her side and buried her head on + his breast. + </p> + <p> + “You ARE jumpy,” said Alfred, and at that instant a wrangle of loud + voices, and a general commotion was heard in the outer hall. “What's + that?” asked Alfred, endeavouring to disentangle himself from Zoie's + frantic embrace. + </p> + <p> + Zoie clung to him so tightly that he was unable to rise, but his alert ear + caught the sound of a familiar voice rising above the din of dispute in + the hallway. + </p> + <p> + “That sounds like the officer,” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “The officer?” cried Zoie, and she wound her arms more tightly about him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII + </h2> + <p> + Propelled by a large red fist, attached to the back of his badly wilted + collar, the writhing form of Jimmy was now thrust through the outer door. + </p> + <p> + “Let go of me,” shouted the hapless Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + The answer was a spasmodic shaking administered by the fist; then a large + burly officer, carrying a small babe in his arms, shoved the reluctant + Jimmy into the centre of the room and stood guard over him. + </p> + <p> + “I got him for you, sir,” announced the officer proudly, to the astonished + Alfred, who had just managed to untwine Zoie's arms and to struggle to his + feet. + </p> + <p> + Alfred's eyes fell first upon the dejected Jimmy, then they travelled to + the bundle of long clothes in the officer's arms. + </p> + <p> + “My boy!” he cried. “My boy!” He snatched the infant from the officer and + pressed him jealously to his breast. “I don't understand,” he said, gazing + at the officer in stupefaction. “Where was he?” + </p> + <p> + “You mean this one?” asked the officer, nodding toward the unfortunate + Jimmy. “I caught him slipping down your fire-escape.” + </p> + <p> + “I KNEW it,” exclaimed Zoie in a rage, and she cast a vindictive look at + Jimmy for his awkwardness. + </p> + <p> + “Knew WHAT, dear?” asked Alfred, now thoroughly puzzled. + </p> + <p> + Zoie did not answer. Her powers of resource were fast waning. Alfred + turned again to the officer, then to Jimmy, who was still flashing + defiance into the officer's threatening eyes. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” he exclaimed, “this is awful. What's the matter with you, Jimmy? + This is the third time that you have tried to take my baby out into the + night.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you've had trouble with him before?” remarked the officer. He + studied Jimmy with new interest, proud in the belief that he had brought a + confirmed “baby-snatcher” to justice. + </p> + <p> + “I've had a little trouble myself,” declared Jimmy hotly, now resolved to + make a clean breast of it. + </p> + <p> + “I'm not asking about your troubles,” interrupted the officer savagely, + and Jimmy felt the huge creature's obnoxious fingers tightening again on + his collar. “Go ahead, sir,” said the officer to Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” began Alfred, nodding toward the now livid Jimmy, “he was out with + my boy when I arrived. I stopped him from going out with him a second + time, and now you, officer, catch him slipping down the fire-escape. I + don't know what to say,” he finished weakly. + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> do,” exclaimed Jimmy, feeling more and more like a high + explosive, “and I'll say it.” + </p> + <p> + “Cut it,” shouted the officer. And before Jimmy could get further, Alfred + resumed with fresh vehemence. + </p> + <p> + “He's supposed to be a friend of mine,” he explained to the officer, as he + nodded toward the wriggling Jimmy. “He was all right when I left him a few + months ago.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll think I'm all right again,” shouted Jimmy, trying to get free from + the officer, “before I've finished telling all I——” + </p> + <p> + “That won't help any,” interrupted the officer firmly, and with another + twist of Jimmy's badly wilted collar he turned to Alfred with his most + civil manner, “What shall I do with him, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” said Alfred, convinced that his friend was a fit subject + for a straight jacket. “This is horrible.” + </p> + <p> + “It's absurd,” cried Zoie, on the verge of hysterics, and in utter despair + of ever disentangling the present complication without ultimately losing + Alfred, “you're all absurd,” she cried wildly. + </p> + <p> + “Absurd?” exclaimed Alfred, turning upon her in amazement, “what do you + mean?” + </p> + <p> + “It's a joke,” said Zoie, without the slightest idea of where the joke + lay. “If you had any sense you could see it.” + </p> + <p> + “I DON'T see it,” said Alfred, with hurt dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Neither do I,” said Jimmy, with boiling resentment. + </p> + <p> + “Can you call it a joke,” asked Alfred, incredulously, “to have our boy——” + He stopped suddenly, remembering that there was a companion piece to this + youngster. “The other one!” he exclaimed, “our other boy——” He + rushed to the crib, found it empty, and turned a terrified face to Zoie. + “Where is he?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Alfred,” pleaded Zoie, “don't get excited; he's all right.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” asked the distracted father. + </p> + <p> + Zoie did not know, but at that moment her eyes fell upon Jimmy, and as + usual he was the source of an inspiration for her. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy never cared for the other one,” she said, “did you, Jimmy?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred turned to the officer, with a tone of command. “Wait,” he said, + then he started toward the bedroom door to make sure that his other boy + was quite safe. The picture that confronted him brought the hair straight + up on his head. True to her promise, and ignorant of Jimmy's return with + the first baby, Aggie had chosen this ill-fated moment to appear on the + threshold with one babe on each arm. + </p> + <p> + “Here they are,” she said graciously, then stopped in amazement at sight + of the horrified Alfred, clasping a third infant to his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Good God!” exclaimed Alfred, stroking his forehead with his unoccupied + hand, and gazing at what he firmly believed must be an apparition, “THOSE + aren't MINE,” he pointed to the two red mites in Aggie's arms. + </p> + <p> + “Wh—why not, Alfred?” stammered Aggie for the want of something + better to say. + </p> + <p> + “What?” shrieked Alfred. Then he turned in appeal to his young wife, whose + face had now become utterly expressionless. “Zoie?” he entreated. + </p> + <p> + There was an instant's pause, then the blood returned to Zoie's face and + she proved herself the artist that Alfred had once declared her. + </p> + <p> + “OURS, dear,” she murmured softly, with a bashful droop of her lids. + </p> + <p> + “But THIS one?” persisted Alfred, pointing to the baby in his arms, and + feeling sure that his mind was about to give way. + </p> + <p> + “Why—why—why,” stuttered Zoie, “THAT'S the JOKE.” + </p> + <p> + “The joke?” echoed Alfred, looking as though he found it anything but + such. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” added Aggie, sharing Zoie's desperation to get out of their + temporary difficulty, no matter at what cost in the future. “Didn't Jimmy + tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me WHAT?” stammered Alfred, “what IS there to tell?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you see,” said Aggie, growing more enthusiastic with each + elaboration of Zoie's lie, “we didn't dare to break it to you too + suddenly.” + </p> + <p> + “Break it to me?” gasped Alfred; a new light was beginning to dawn on his + face. + </p> + <p> + “So,” concluded Zoie, now thoroughly at home in the new situation, “we + asked Jimmy to take THAT one OUT.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy cast an inscrutable glance in Zoie's direction. Was it possible that + she was at last assisting him out of a difficulty? + </p> + <p> + “You 'ASKED Jimmy'?” repeated Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” confirmed Aggie, with easy confidence, “we wanted you to get used + to the idea gradually.” + </p> + <p> + “The idea,” echoed Alfred. He was afraid to allow his mind to accept too + suddenly the whole significance of their disclosure, lest his joy + over-power him. “You—you—do—don't mean——” he + stuttered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear,” sighed Zoie, with the face of an angel, and then with a + languid sigh, she sank back contentedly on her pillows. + </p> + <p> + “My boys! My boys!” cried Alfred, now delirious with delight. “Give them + to me,” he called to Aggie, and he snatched the surprised infants savagely + from her arms. “Give me ALL of them, ALL of them.” He clasped the three + babes to his breast, then dashed to the bedside of the unsuspecting Zoie + and covered her small face with rapturous kisses. + </p> + <p> + Feeling the red faces of the little strangers in such close proximity to + hers, Zoie drew away from them with abhorrence, but unconscious of her + unmotherly action, Alfred continued his mad career about the room, his + heart overflowing with gratitude toward Zoie in particular and mankind in + general. Finding Aggie in the path of his wild jubilee, he treated that + bewildered young matron to an unwelcome kiss. A proceeding which Jimmy did + not at all approve. + </p> + <p> + Hardly had Aggie recovered from her surprise when the disgruntled Jimmy + was startled out of his dark mood by the supreme insult of a loud + resounding kiss implanted on his own cheek by his excitable young friend. + Jimmy raised his arm to resist a second assault, and Alfred veered off in + the direction of the officer, who stepped aside just in time to avoid + similar demonstration from the indiscriminating young father. + </p> + <p> + Finding a wide circle prescribed about himself and the babies, Alfred + suddenly stopped and gazed about from one astonished face to the other. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the officer, regarding Alfred with an injured air, and + feeling much downcast at being so ignominiously deprived of his + short-lived heroism in capturing a supposed criminal, “if this is all a + joke, I'll let the woman go.” + </p> + <p> + “The woman,” repeated Alfred; “what woman?” + </p> + <p> + “I nabbed a woman at the foot of the fire-escape,” explained the officer. + Zoie and Aggie glanced at each other inquiringly. “I thought she might be + an accomplice.” + </p> + <p> + “What does she look like, officer?” asked Alfred. His manner was becoming + more paternal, not to say condescending, with the arrival of each new + infant. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be silly, Alfred,” snapped Zoie, really ashamed that Alfred was + making such an idiot of himself. “It's only the nurse.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's it,” said Alfred, with a wise nod of comprehension; “the + nurse, then she's in the joke too?” He glanced from one to the other. They + all nodded. “You're all in it,” he exclaimed, flattered to think that they + had considered it necessary to combine the efforts of so many of them to + deceive him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” assented Jimmy sadly, “we are all 'in it.'” + </p> + <p> + “Well, she's a great actress,” decided Alfred, with the air of a + connoisseur. + </p> + <p> + “She sure is,” admitted Donneghey, more and more disgruntled as he felt + his reputation for detecting fraud slipping from him. “She put up a phoney + story about the kid being hers,” he added. “But I could tell she wasn't on + the level. Good-night, sir,” he called to Alfred, and ignoring Jimmy, he + passed quickly from the room. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, officer,” Alfred called after him. “Hang around downstairs. I'll be + down later and fix things up with you.” Again Alfred gave his whole + attention to his new-found family. He leaned over the cradle and gazed + ecstatically into the three small faces below his. “This is too much,” he + murmured. + </p> + <p> + “Much too much,” agreed Jimmy, who was now sitting hunched up on the couch + in his customary attitude of gloom. + </p> + <p> + “You were right not to break it to me too suddenly,” said Alfred, and with + his arms encircling three infants he settled himself on the couch by + Jimmy's side. “You're a cute one,” he continued to Jimmy, who was edging + away from the three mites with aversion. In the absence of any answer from + Jimmy, Alfred appealed to Zoie, “Isn't he a cute one, dear?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, VERY,” answered Zoie, sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + Shutting his lips tight and glancing at Zoie with a determined effort at + self restraint, Jimmy rose from the couch and started toward the door. + </p> + <p> + “If you women are done with me,” he said, “I'll clear out.” + </p> + <p> + “Clear out?” exclaimed Alfred, rising quickly and placing himself between + his old friend and the door. “What a chance,” and he laughed boisterously. + “You're not going to get out of my sight this night,” he declared. “I'm + just beginning to appreciate all you've done for me.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I,” assented Jimmy, and unconsciously his hand sought the spot + where his dinner should have been, but Alfred was not to be resisted. + </p> + <p> + “A man needs someone around,” he declared, “when he's going through a + thing like this. I need all of you, all of you,” and with his eyes he + embraced the weary circle of faces about him. “I feel as though I could go + out of my head,” he explained and with that he began tucking the three + small mites in the pink and white crib designed for but one. + </p> + <p> + Zoie regarded him with a bored expression' + </p> + <p> + “You act as though you WERE out of your head,” she commented, but Alfred + did not heed her. He was now engaged in the unhoped for bliss of singing + three babies to sleep with one lullaby. + </p> + <p> + The other occupants of the room were just beginning to relax and to show + some resemblance to their natural selves, when their features were again + simultaneously frozen by a ring at the outside door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Annoyed at being interrupted in the midst of his lullaby, to three, Alfred + looked up to see Maggie, hatless and out of breath, bursting into the + room, and destroying what was to him an ideally tranquil home scene. But + Maggie paid no heed to Alfred's look of inquiry. She made directly for the + side of Zoie's bed. + </p> + <p> + “If you plaze, mum,” she panted, looking down at Zoie, and wringing her + hands. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Aggie, who had now reached the side of the bed. + </p> + <p> + “'Scuse me for comin' right in”—Maggie was breathing hard—“but + me mother sint me to tell you that me father is jus afther comin' home + from work, and he's fightin' mad about the babies, mum.” + </p> + <p> + “Sh! Sh!” cautioned Aggie and Zoie, as they glanced nervously toward + Alfred who was rising from his place beside the cradle with increasing + interest in Maggie's conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Babies?” he repeated, “your father is mad about babies?” + </p> + <p> + “It's all right, dear,” interrupted Zoie nervously; “you see,” she went on + to explain, pointing toward the trembling Maggie, “this is our + washerwoman's little girl. Our washerwoman has had twins, too, and it made + the wash late, and her husband is angry about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Alfred, with a comprehensive nod, but Maggie was not to be so + easily disposed of. + </p> + <p> + “If you please, mum,” she objected, “it ain't about the wash. It's about + our baby girls.” + </p> + <p> + “Girls?” exclaimed Zoie involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + “Girls?” repeated Alfred, drawing himself up in the fond conviction that + all his heirs were boys, “No wonder your pa's angry. I'd be angry too. + Come now,” he said to Maggie, patting the child on the shoulder and + regarding her indulgently, “you go straight home and tell your father that + what HE needs is BOYS.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, of course, sir,” answered the bewildered Maggie, thinking that + Alfred meant to reflect upon the gender of the offspring donated by her + parents, “if you ain't afther likin' girls, me mother sint the money + back,” and with that she began to feel for the pocket in her red flannel + petticoat. + </p> + <p> + “The money?” repeated Alfred, in a puzzled way, “what money?” + </p> + <p> + It was again Zoie's time to think quickly. + </p> + <p> + “The money for the wash, dear,” she explained. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” retorted Alfred, positively beaming generosity, “who talks of + money at such a time as this?” And taking a ten dollar bill from his + pocket, he thrust it in Maggie's outstretched hand, while she was trying + to return to him the original purchase money. “Here,” he said to the + astonished girl, “you take this to your father. Tell him I sent it to him + for his babies. Tell him to start a bank account with it.” + </p> + <p> + This was clearly not a case with which one small addled mind could deal, + or at least, so Maggie decided. She had a hazy idea that Alfred was adding + something to the original purchase price of her young sisters, but she was + quite at a loss to know how to refuse the offer of such a “grand 'hoigh” + gentleman, even though her failure to do so would no doubt result in a + beating when she reached home. She stared at Alfred undecided what to do, + the money still lay in her outstretched hand. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid Pa'll niver loike it, sir,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Like it?” exclaimed Alfred in high feather, and he himself closed her red + little fingers over the bill, “he's GOT to like it. He'll GROW to like it. + Now you run along,” he concluded to Maggie, as he urged her toward the + door, “and tell him what I say.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” murmured Maggie, far from sharing Alfred's enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + Feeling no desire to renew his acquaintance with Maggie, particularly + under Alfred's watchful eye, Jimmy had sought his old refuge, the high + backed chair. As affairs progressed and there seemed no doubt of Zoie's + being able to handle the situation to the satisfaction of all concerned, + Jimmy allowed exhaustion and the warmth of the firelight to have their way + with him. His mind wandered toward other things and finally into space. + His head dropped lower and lower on his chest; his breathing became + laboured—so laboured in fact that it attracted the attention of + Maggie, who was about to pass him on her way to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Sure an it's Mr. Jinks!” exclaimed Maggie. Then coming close to the side + of the unsuspecting sleeper, she hissed a startling message in his ear. + “Me mother said to tell you that me fadder's hoppin' mad at you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy sat up and rubbed his eyes. He studied the young person at his + elbow, then he glanced at Alfred, utterly befuddled as to what had + happened while he had been on a journey to happier scenes. Apparently + Maggie was waiting for an answer to something, but to what? Jimmy thought + he detected an ominous look in Alfred's eyes. Letting his hand fall over + the arm of the chair so that Alfred could not see it, Jimmy began to make + frantic signals to Maggie to depart; she stared at him the harder. + </p> + <p> + “Go away,” whispered Jimmy, but Maggie did not move. “Shoo, shoo!” he + said, and waved her off with his hand. + </p> + <p> + Puzzled by Jimmy's sudden aversion to this apparently harmless child, + Alfred turned to Maggie with a puckered brow. + </p> + <p> + “Your father's mad at Jimmy?” he repeated. “What about?” + </p> + <p> + For once Jimmy found it in his heart to be grateful to Zoie for the prompt + answer that came from her direction. + </p> + <p> + “The wash, dear,” said Zoie to Alfred; “Jimmy had to go after the wash,” + and then with a look which Maggie could not mistake for an invitation to + stop longer, Zoie called to her haughtily, “You needn't wait, Maggie; we + understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure, an' it's more 'an I do,” answered Maggie, and shaking her head + sadly, she slipped from the room. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred could not immediately dismiss from his mind the picture of + Maggie's inhuman parent. + </p> + <p> + “Just fancy,” he said, turning his head to one side meditatively, “fancy + any man not liking to be the father of twins,” and with that he again bent + over the cradle and surveyed its contents. “Think, Jimmy,” he said, when + he had managed to get the three youngsters in his arms, “just think of the + way THAT father feels, and then think of the way <i>I</i> feel.” + </p> + <p> + “And then think of the way <i>I</i> feel,” grumbled Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “You!” exclaimed Alfred; “what have you to feel about?” + </p> + <p> + Before Jimmy could answer, the air was rent by a piercing scream and a + crash of glass from the direction of the inner rooms. + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” whispered Aggie, with an anxious glance toward Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Sounded like breaking glass,” said Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Burglars!” exclaimed Zoie, for want of anything better to suggest. + </p> + <p> + “Burglars?” repeated Alfred with a superior air; “nonsense! Nonsense! + Here,” he said, turning to Jimmy, “you hold the boys and I'll go see——” + and before Jimmy was aware of the honour about to be thrust upon him, he + felt three red, spineless morsels, wriggling about in his arms. He made + what lap he could for the armful, and sat up in a stiff, strained attitude + on the edge of the couch. In the meantime, Alfred had strode into the + adjoining room with the air of a conqueror. Aggie looked at Zoie, with + dreadful foreboding. + </p> + <p> + “You don't suppose it could be?” she paused. + </p> + <p> + “My baby!” shrieked the voice of the Italian mother from the adjoining + room. “Where IS he?” + </p> + <p> + Regardless of the discomfort of his three disgruntled charges, Jimmy began + to circle the room. So agitated was his mind that he could scarcely hear + Aggie, who was reporting proceedings from her place at the bedroom door. + </p> + <p> + “She's come up the fire-escape,” cried Aggie; “she's beating Alfred to + death.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” shrieked Zoie, making a flying leap from her coverlets. + </p> + <p> + “She's locking him in the bathroom,” declared Aggie, and with that she + disappeared from the room, bent on rescue. + </p> + <p> + “My Alfred!” cried Zoie, tragically, and she started in pursuit of Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute,” called Jimmy, who had not yet been able to find a + satisfactory place in which to deposit his armful of clothes and humanity. + “What shall I do with these things?” + </p> + <p> + “Eat 'em,” was Zoie's helpful retort, as the trailing end of her negligee + disappeared from the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX + </h2> + <p> + Now, had Jimmy been less perturbed during the latter part of this + commotion, he might have heard the bell of the outside door, which had + been ringing violently for some minutes. As it was, he was wholly + unprepared for the flying advent of Maggie. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, plaze, sir,” she cried, pointing with trembling fingers toward the + babes in Jimmy's arms, “me fadder's coming right behind me. He's a-lookin' + for you sir.” + </p> + <p> + “For me,” murmured Jimmy, wondering vaguely why everybody on earth seemed + to be looking for HIM. + </p> + <p> + “Put 'em down, sir,” cried Maggie, still pointing to the three babies, + “put 'em down. He's liable to wallop you.” + </p> + <p> + “Put 'em where?” asked Jimmy, now utterly confused as to which way to + turn. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Maggie, and she pointed to the cradle beneath his very eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Jimmy vapidly, and he sank on his knees and strove to + let the wobbly creatures down easily. + </p> + <p> + Bang went the outside door. + </p> + <p> + “That's Pa now,” cried Maggie. “Oh hide, sir, hide.” And with that + disconcerting warning, she too deserted him. + </p> + <p> + “Hide where?” gasped Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + There was a moment's awful silence. Jimmy rose very cautiously from the + cradle, his eyes sought the armchair. It had always betrayed him. He + glanced toward the window. It was twelve stories to the pavement. He + looked towards the opposite door; beyond that was the mad Italian woman. + His one chance lay in slipping unnoticed through the hallway; he made a + determined dash in that direction, but no sooner had he put his head + through the door, than he drew it back quickly. The conversation between + O'Flarety and the maid in the hallway was not reassuring. Jimmy decided to + take a chance with the Italian mother, and as fast as he could, he + streaked it toward the opposite door. The shrieks and denunciations that + he met from this direction were more disconcerting than those of the Irish + father. For an instant he stood in the centre of the room, wavering as to + which side to surrender himself. + </p> + <p> + The thunderous tones of the enraged father drew nearer; he threw himself + on the floor and attempted to roll under the bed; the space between the + railing and the floor was far too narrow. Why had he disregarded Aggie's + advice as to diet? The knob of the door handle was turning—he + vaulted into the bed and drew the covers over his head just as O'Flarety, + trembling with excitement, and pursued by Maggie, burst into the room. + </p> + <p> + “Lave go of me,” cried O'Flarety to Maggie, who clung to his arm in a vain + effort to soothe him, and flinging her off, he made straight for the bed. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” he cried, gazing with dilated nostrils at the trembling object + beneath the covers, “there you are, mum,” and he shook his fist above what + he believed to be the cowardly Mrs. Hardy. “'Tis well ye may cover up your + head,” said he, “for shame on yez! Me wife may take in washing, but when I + comes home at night I wants me kids, and I'll be after havin' 'em too. + Where ar' they?” he demanded. Then getting no response from the agitated + covers, he glanced wildly about the room. “Glory be to God!” he exclaimed + as his eyes fell on the crib; but he stopped short in astonishment, when + upon peering into it, he found not one, or two, but three “barren.” + </p> + <p> + “They're child stalers, that's what they are,” he declared to Maggie, as + he snatched Bridget and Norah to his no doubt comforting breast. “Me + little Biddy,” he crooned over his much coveted possession. “Me little + Norah,” he added fondly, looking down at his second. The thought of his + narrow escape from losing these irreplaceable treasures rekindled his + wrath. Again he strode toward the bed and looked down at the now + semi-quiet comforter. + </p> + <p> + “The black heart of ye, mum,” he roared, then ordering Maggie to give back + “every penny of that shameless creetur's money” he turned toward the door. + </p> + <p> + So intense had been O'Flarety's excitement and so engrossed was he in his + denunciation that he had failed to see the wild-eyed Italian woman rushing + toward him from the opposite door. + </p> + <p> + “You, you!” cried the frenzied woman and, to O'Flarety's astonishment, she + laid two strong hands upon his arm and drew him round until he faced her. + “Where are you going with my baby?” she asked, then peering into the face + of the infant nearest to her, she uttered a disappointed moan. “'Tis not + my baby!” she cried. She scanned the face of the second infant—again + she moaned. + </p> + <p> + Having begun to identify this hysterical creature as the possible mother + of the third infant, O'Flarety jerked his head in the direction of the + cradle. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you'll find what you're lookin' for in there,” he said. Then + bidding Maggie to “git along out o' this” and shrugging his shoulders to + convey his contempt for the fugitive beneath the coverlet, he swept + quickly from the room. + </p> + <p> + Clasping her long-sought darling to her heart and weeping with delight, + the Italian mother was about to follow O'Flarety through the door when + Zoie staggered into the room, weak and exhausted. + </p> + <p> + “You, you!” called the indignant Zoie to the departing mother. “How dare + you lock my husband in the bathroom?” She pointed to the key, which the + woman still unconsciously clasped in her hand. “Give me that key,” she + demanded, “give it to me this instant.” + </p> + <p> + “Take your horrid old key,” said the mother, and she threw it on the + floor. “If you ever try to get my baby again, I'll lock your husband in + JAIL,” and murmuring excited maledictions in her native tongue, she took + her welcome departure. + </p> + <p> + Zoie stooped for the key, one hand to her giddy head, but Aggie, who had + just returned to the room, reached the key first and volunteered to go to + the aid of the captive Alfred, who was pounding desperately on the + bathroom door and demanding his instant release. + </p> + <p> + “I'll let him out,” said Aggie. “You get into bed,” and she slipped + quickly from the room. + </p> + <p> + Utterly exhausted and half blind with fatigue Zoie lifted the coverlet and + slipped beneath it. Her first sensation was of touching something rough + and scratchy, then came the awful conviction that the thing against which + she lay was alive. + </p> + <p> + Without stopping to investigate the identity of her uninvited bed-fellow, + or even daring to look behind her, Zoie fled from the room emitting a + series of screams that made all her previous efforts in that direction + seem mere baby cries. So completely had Jimmy been enveloped in the + coverlets and for so long a time that he had acquired a vague feeling of + aloftness toward the rest of his fellows, and had lost all knowledge of + their goings and comings. But when his unexpected companion was thrust + upon him he was galvanised into sudden action by her scream, and swathed + in a large pink comforter, he rolled ignominiously from the upper side of + the bed, where he lay on the floor panting and enmeshed, awaiting further + developments. Of one thing he was certain, a great deal had transpired + since he had sought the friendly solace of the covers and he had no mind + to lose so good a friend as the pink comforter. By the time he had + summoned sufficient courage to peep from under its edge, a babel of voices + was again drawing near, and he hastily drew back in his shell and waited. + </p> + <p> + Not daring to glance at the scene of her fright, Zoie pushed Aggie before + her into the room and demanded that she look in the bed. + </p> + <p> + Seeing the bed quite empty and noticing nothing unusual in the fact that + the pink comforter, along with other covers, had slipped down behind it, + Aggie hastened to reassure her terrified friend. + </p> + <p> + “You imagined it, Zoie,” she declared, “look for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie's small face peeped cautiously around the edge of the doorway. + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps I did,” she admitted; then she slipped gingerly into the + room, “my nerves are jumping like fizzy water.” + </p> + <p> + They were soon to “jump” more, for at this instant, Alfred, burning with + anger at the indignity of having been locked in the bathroom, entered the + room, demanding to know the whereabouts of the lunatic mother, who had + dared to make him a captive in his own house. + </p> + <p> + “Where is she?” he called to Zoie and Aggie, and his eye roved wildly + about the room. Then his mind reverted with anxiety to his newly acquired + offspring. “My boys!” he cried, and he rushed toward the crib. “They're + gone!” he declared tragically. + </p> + <p> + “Gone?” echoed Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Not ALL of them,” said Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “All,” insisted Alfred, and his hands went distractedly toward his head. + “She's taken them all.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie and Aggie looked at each other in a dazed way. They had a hazy + recollection of having seen one babe disappear with the Italian woman, but + what had become of the other two? + </p> + <p> + “Where did they go?” asked Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” said Zoie, with the first truth she had spoken that night, + “I left them with Jimmy.” + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” shrieked Alfred, and a diabolical light lit his features. + “Jimmy!” he snorted, with sudden comprehension, “then he's at it again. + He's crazy as she is. This is inhuman. This joke has got to stop!” And + with that decision he started toward the outer door. + </p> + <p> + “But Allie!” protested Zoie, really alarmed by the look that she saw on + his face. + </p> + <p> + Alfred turned to his trembling wife with suppressed excitement, and patted + her shoulder condescendingly. + </p> + <p> + “Control yourself, my dear,” he said. “Control yourself; I'll get your + babies for you—trust me, I'll get them. And then,” he added with + parting emphasis from the doorway, “I'll SETTLE WITH JIMMY!” + </p> + <p> + By uncovering one eye, Jimmy could now perceive that Zoie and Aggie were + engaged in a heated argument at the opposite side of the room. By + uncovering one ear he learned that they were arranging a line of action + for him immediately upon his reappearance. He determined not to wait for + the details. + </p> + <p> + Fixing himself cautiously on all fours, and making sure that he was well + covered by the pink comforter, he began to crawl slowly toward the bedroom + door. + </p> + <p> + Turning away from Aggie with an impatient exclamation, Zoie suddenly + beheld what seemed to her a large pink monster with protruding claws + wriggling its way hurriedly toward the inner room. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” she screamed, and pointing in horror toward the dreadful creature + now dragging itself across the threshold, she sank fainting into Aggie's + outstretched arms. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX + </h2> + <p> + Having dragged the limp form of her friend to the near-by couch, Aggie was + bending over her to apply the necessary restoratives, when Alfred returned + in triumph. He was followed by the officer in whose arms were three + infants, and behind whom was the irate O'Flarety, the hysterical Italian + woman, and last of all, Maggie. + </p> + <p> + “Bring them all in here, officer,” called Alfred over his shoulder. “I'll + soon prove to you whose babies those are.” Then turning to Aggie, who + stood between him and the fainting Zoie he cried triumphantly, “I've got + them Aggie, I've got them.” He glanced toward the empty bed. “Where's + Zoie?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “She's fainted,” said Aggie, and stepping from in front of the young wife, + she pointed toward the couch. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my darling!” cried Alfred, with deep concern as he rushed to Zoie and + began frantically patting her hands. “My poor frightened darling!” Then he + turned to the officer, his sense of injury welling high within him, “You + see what these people have done to my wife? She's fainted.” Ignoring the + uncomplimentary remarks of O'Flarety, he again bent over Zoie. + </p> + <p> + “Rouse yourself, my dear,” he begged of her. “Look at me,” he pleaded. + “Your babies are safe.” + </p> + <p> + “HER babies!” snorted O'Flarety, unable longer to control his pent up + indignation. + </p> + <p> + “I'll let you know when I want to hear from you,” snarled the officer to + O'Flarety. + </p> + <p> + “But they're NOT her babies,” protested the Italian woman desperately. + </p> + <p> + “Cut it,” shouted the officer, and with low mutterings, the outraged + parents were obliged to bide their time. + </p> + <p> + Lifting Zoie to a sitting posture Alfred fanned her gently until she + regained her senses. “Your babies are all right,” he assured her. “I've + brought them all back to you.” + </p> + <p> + “All?” gasped Zoie weakly, and she wondered what curious fate had been + intervening to assist Alfred in such a prodigious undertaking. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear,” said Alfred, “every one,” and he pointed toward the three + infants in the officer's arms. “See, dear, see.” + </p> + <p> + Zoie turned her eyes upon what SEEMED to her numberless red faces. “Oh!” + she moaned and again she swooned. + </p> + <p> + “I told you she'd be afraid to face us,” shouted the now triumphant + O'Flarety. + </p> + <p> + “You brute!” retorted the still credulous Alfred, “how dare you persecute + this poor demented mother?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred's persistent solicitude for Zoie was too much for the resentful + Italian woman. + </p> + <p> + “She didn't persecute me, oh no!” she exclaimed sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + “Keep still, you!” commanded the officer. + </p> + <p> + Again Zoie was reviving and again Alfred lifted her in his arms and begged + her to assure the officer that the babies in question were hers. + </p> + <p> + “Let's hear her SAY it,” demanded O'Flarety. + </p> + <p> + “You SHALL hear her,” answered Alfred, with confidence. Then he beckoned + to the officer to approach, explaining that Zoie was very weak. + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” said the officer; then planting himself directly in front of + Zoie's half closed eyes, he thrust the babies upon her attention. + </p> + <p> + “Look, Zoie!” pleaded Alfred. “Look!” + </p> + <p> + Zoie opened her eyes to see three small red faces immediately opposite her + own. + </p> + <p> + “Take them away!” she cried, with a frantic wave of her arm, “take them + away!” + </p> + <p> + “What?” exclaimed Alfred in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “What did I tell you?” shouted O'Flarety. This hateful reminder brought + Alfred again to the protection of his young and defenceless wife. + </p> + <p> + “The excitement has unnerved her,” he said to the officer. + </p> + <p> + “Ain't you about done with my kids?” asked O'Flarety, marvelling how any + man with so little penetration as the officer, managed to hold down a + “good payin' job.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want for your proof anyway?” asked the mother. But Alfred's + faith in the validity of his new parenthood was not to be so easily + shaken. + </p> + <p> + “My wife is in no condition to be questioned,” he declared. “She's out of + her head, and if you don't——” + </p> + <p> + He stepped suddenly, for without warning, the door was thrown open and a + second officer strode into their midst dragging by the arm the reluctant + Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “I guess I've got somethin' here that you folks need in your business,” he + called, nodding toward the now utterly demoralised Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy!” exclaimed Aggie, having at last got her breath. + </p> + <p> + “The Joker!” cried Alfred, bearing down upon the panting Jimmy with a + ferocious expression. + </p> + <p> + “I caught him slipping down the fire-escape,” explained the officer. + </p> + <p> + “Again?” exclaimed Aggie and Alfred in tones of deep reproach. + </p> + <p> + “Jimmy,” said Alfred, coming close to his friend, and fixing his eyes upon + him in a determined effort to control the poor creature's fast failing + faculties, “you know the truth of this thing. You are the one who sent me + that telegram, you are the one who told me that I was a father.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, aren't you a father?” asked Aggie, trying to protect her dejected + spouse. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am,” replied Alfred, with every confidence, “but I have to + prove it to the officer. Jimmy knows,” he concluded. Then turning to the + uncomfortable man at his side, he demanded imperatively, “Tell the officer + the truth, you idiot. No more of your jokes. Am I a father or am I not?” + </p> + <p> + “If you're depending on ME for your future offspring,” answered Jimmy, + wagging his head with the air of a man reckless of consequences, “you are + NOT a father.” + </p> + <p> + “Depending on YOU?” gasped Alfred, and he stared at his friend in + bewilderment. “What do you mean by that?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask them,” answered Jimmy, and he nodded toward Zoie and Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Alfred appealed to Aggie. + </p> + <p> + “Ask Zoie,” said Aggie. + </p> + <p> + Alfred bent over the form of the again prostrate Zoie. “My darling,” he + entreated, “rouse yourself.” Slowly she opened her eyes. “Now,” said + Alfred, with enforced self-control, “you must look the officer squarely in + the eye and tell him whose babies those are,” and he nodded toward the + officer, who was now beginning to entertain grave doubts on the subject. + </p> + <p> + “How should <i>I</i> know?” cried Zoie, too exhausted for further lying. + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Alfred, his hand on his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “I only borrowed them,” said Zoie, “to get you home,” and with that she + sank back on the couch and closed her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What did I tell you?” cried the triumphant O'Flarety. + </p> + <p> + “I guess they're your'n all right,” admitted the officer doggedly, and he + grudgingly released the three infants to their rightful parents. + </p> + <p> + “I guess they'd better be,” shouted O'Flarety; then he and the Italian + woman made for the door with their babes pressed close to their hearts. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute,” cried Alfred. “I want an understanding.” + </p> + <p> + O'Flarety turned in the doorway and raised a warning fist. + </p> + <p> + “If you don't leave my kids alone, you'll GIT 'an understanding.'” + </p> + <p> + “Me too,” added the mother. + </p> + <p> + “On your way,” commanded the officer to the pair of them, and together + with Maggie and the officer, they disappeared forever from the Hardy + household. + </p> + <p> + Alfred gazed about the room. “My God!” he exclaimed; then he turned to + Jimmy who was still in the custody of the second officer: “If I'm not a + father, what am I?” + </p> + <p> + “I'd hate to tell you,” was Jimmy's unsympathetic reply, and in utter + dejection Alfred sank on the foot of the bed and buried his head in his + hands. + </p> + <p> + “What shall I do with this one, sir?” asked the officer, undecided as to + Jimmy's exact standing in the household. + </p> + <p> + “Shoot him, for all I care,” groaned Alfred, and he rocked to and fro. + </p> + <p> + “How ungrateful!” exclaimed Aggie, then she signalled to the officer to + go. + </p> + <p> + “No more of your funny business,” said the officer with a parting nod at + Jimmy and a vindictive light in his eyes when he remembered the bruises + that Jimmy had left on his shins. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jimmy!” said Aggie sympathetically, and she pressed her hot face + against his round apoplectic cheek. “You poor dear! And after all you have + done for us!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” sneered Zoie, having regained sufficient strength to stagger to her + feet, “he's done a lot, hasn't he?” And then forgetting that her original + adventure with Jimmy which had brought about such disastrous results was + still unknown to Aggie and Alfred, she concluded bitterly, “All this would + never have happened, if it hadn't been for Jimmy and his horrid old + luncheon.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy was startled. This was too much, and just as he had seemed to be + well out of complications for the remainder of his no doubt short life. He + turned to bolt for the door but Aggie's eyes were upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Luncheon?” exclaimed Aggie and she regarded him with a puzzled frown. + </p> + <p> + Zoie's hand was already over her lips, but too late. + </p> + <p> + Recovering from his somewhat bewildering sense of loss, Alfred, too, was + now beginning to sit up and take notice. + </p> + <p> + “What luncheon?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + Zoie gazed from Alfred to Aggie, then at Jimmy, then resolving to make a + clean breast of the matter, she sidled toward Alfred with her most + ingratiating manner. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Alfred,” she purred, as she endeavoured to act one arm about his + unsuspecting neck, “if you'll only listen, I'll tell you the REAL TRUTH.” + </p> + <p> + A wild despairing cry from Alfred, a dash toward the door by Jimmy, and a + determined effort on Aggie's part to detain her spouse, temporarily + interrupted Zoie's narrative. + </p> + <p> + But in spite of these discouragements, Zoie did eventually tell Alfred the + real truth, and before the sun had risen on the beginning of another day, + she had added to her confession, promises whose happy fulfillment was + evidenced for many years after by the chatter of glad young voices, up and + down the stairway of Alfred's new suburban home, and the flutter of golden + curls in and out amongst the sunlight and shadows of his ample, well kept + grounds. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Baby Mine, by Margaret Mayo + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BABY MINE *** + +***** This file should be named 860-h.htm or 860-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/6/860/ + +Produced by Charles Keller, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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