is eyes was quite boyish--"I have had occasion to observe
in Jemima certain symptoms--a proprietary interest in my belongings, for
instance, my rooms, my welfare, my health, my--er--personal
appearance--which lead me to believe that her regard for me is not
entirely intellectual. In fact, I know rather more about Jemima's inner
workings, so to speak, than she knows herself. One is not a psychologist
for nothing! The--er--the tender passion manifests itself in various
ways. Some women love with their emotions, as it were; some, God bless
them! with their capable hands and brains."

Kate was deeply touched. "Perhaps you're right, Jim. I hope so, my dear.
I do hope so!"

Jacqueline received the news of her sister's engagement with shouts of
glee. "What a joke on you, Mummy! _What_ a joke! Old Faithful carried
off under your very nose, by your own child! And Jemmy, of all people!
That's the way she did to that young man at Goddy's party. Good old
Jemmy! When she warms up, I tell you she can trot a heat with the best."

"Jacky, hush!" Kate laughed despite herself. "You're getting too big to
use that stable-talk. You would suppose Jemima had actually tried to
entice him out of my clutches!"

"And didn't she, didn't she just? Why, you blessed innocent, she's had
this up her sleeve for some time! I _thought_ she was being mighty
attentive to Goddy, teaching him to dance, and making him ties and
all--only it never occurred to me she'd want--this!--Gracious!" she
said, suddenly grave, "you don't suppose she kisses him, Mummy?"

"I hope so, dear. Why not? You've kissed him often enough yourself."

"And shall again, the funny old lamb! But not that way. Ugh!"

Mrs. Kildare winced to realize how far the education of her youngest had
proceeded without her supervision.

Jacqueline's volatile thoughts had taken a new direction. "That means
Jemmy is going away to live. 'Way off to Lexington."

Kate sighed. "Farther than that, if I know Jemima."

"Then," said the girl, slowly, "when--if--I ever go away, you'd be here
all alone, Mummy!"

"Mothers expect that, dear. Always we know that some day we shall be
left alone. But we do not mind, we are even glad. We risk our lives to
give life to our children, and we want them to have it all, life at its
fullest. Otherwise we feel that we have been failures, somehow. Breath
is such a small part of life!--So when your time comes, too, my girlie,
you are not to hesitate because of me. Ta