we'll see. How much she was hurt,
how long it will last, I don't know, of course. You can try."

"_Try!_" repeated the queen of Keefe, her handsome face coloring faintly
above her white silken gown.

"Yes. Miss Upton will be a good go-between, when she is placated. You
saw the partisan in her."

Of course, it was all very absurd, as Mrs. Barry told herself when they
arose from the table; but there was no denying that her throne was
tottering. Her boy was no longer all hers. Bitter, bitter discovery for
most mothers to make even when the rival is not Miss Nobody from
Nowhere.

The next morning betimes Ben presented himself at the Emporium. He drove
up in his roadster and rushed in upon Miss Upton with an arm full of
apple blossoms.

"How is she?" he inquired eagerly.

"Hush, hush! I think she's goin' to sleep again. She's had her
breakfast."

"Mother sent her these," he went on, laying the fragrant mass on the
counter behind which Miss Mehitable was piling up goods for packing.

She looked at him and the corners of her mouth drew down. "Ben Barry,
what do you want to tell such a lie for?"

"Because I think it sounds nice," he returned, unabashed. "Really, I
think she would if she dared, you know. We had it out last night. Now
what are you going to do about Miss Melody's clothes?"

"Yes, what am I?" said Miss Upton. "Say, Ben"--she gave his arm a push
and lowered her voice--"what do you s'pose Charlotte's doin'? She's out
in the shed washin' and ironin' Geraldine's clothes." She lifted her
plump shoulders and nudged Ben again. They both laughed.

"Good for Lottie!" remarked Ben.

"Oh, she's in love, just in love," said Miss Mehitable. "It's too funny
to see her. She wants to wait on the child by inches; but clothes--Ben!
You should have seen Geraldine in my--a--my--a wrapper last night!" Miss
Mehitable gave vent to another stifled chuckle. "She was just lost in
it, and we had to hunt for her and fish her out and put her into
something of Charlotte's. Charlotte was tickled to death." Again the
speaker's cushiony fist gave Ben's arm an emphatic nudge.

He smiled sympathetically. "I suppose so," he said; "but aren't you
going to town to-day to buy her some things?"

"What with?" Miss Upton grew sober and extended both hands palms upward.
"I've been thinkin' about it while I was workin' here. She's got to have
clothes. I shouldn't wonder if some o' my customers had things they
could let us have. Once your mo