and Hattie ranged herself at Sue's side, the whole movement plainly one
of defense.

Her bridal raiment afforded Sue an excuse for changing the subject. "Oh,
mother, look! How lovely!"

"Don't evade my question," chided the elder woman.

Sue reached for her mother's hand. "Ah, poor little hungry hearts," she
pleaded. "Those boys just long to call somebody mother."

Mrs. Milo drew her hand free. "Then let them call me mother," she
returned.

"Hup!" laughed Hattie, hastily averting her face.

Sue turned to her, mild wonder in her eyes. "Oh, mother's the best
mother in the world," she declared; "--and the sweetest.--And you love
the boys, don't you, dear?"

Mrs. Milo was watching Hattie's lowered head through narrowed eyes. "I
love them--naturally," she answered, with a note of injury.

"Of course, you do! You're a true mother. And a true mother loves
anybody's baby. But--the trouble is"--this with a tender
smile--"you--you don't always show them the love in your heart."

"Well," retorted her mother, "I shan't let them make you
ridiculous.--Momsey!"

From the Church came the sound of boyish laughter, mingled with snatches
of a hymn. The hymn was Ikey's favorite, and above all the other voices
sounded his--

"_O Mutter Dear, Jaru-u-u-usalem----_"

Sue turned her head to listen. "They know they've got a right to at
least one parent," she said, almost as if to herself. "Preferably a
mother."

"But you're an unmarried woman!"

"Still what difference does that make in----"

"Please don't argue."

"No, mother,"--dutifully.

"To refer to yourself in such a way is most indelicate. Especially
before Hattie."

There was no dissembling in the look Hattie Balcome gave the older woman.
The young eyes were full of comprehension, and mockery; they said as
plainly as words, "Here is one who knows you for what you are--in spite
of your dainty manners, your gentle voice, your sweet words." Nor could
the girl keep out of her tone something of the dislike and distrust she
felt. "Well, Mrs. Milo!" she exclaimed. "I think it's a terrible pity
that Sue's not a mother."

"Oh, indeed!"--with quick anger, scarcely restrained. "Well, the subject
is not appropriate to unmarried persons, especially young girls. Let us
drop it."

"Mother!"--And having diverted Mrs. Milo's resentful stare to herself,
Sue now deliberately swung the possibility of censure her way in order to
protect Hattie. "Mother, sh