ngratulations."

"Yes, mother."

As John started to close the door of the limousine, Frances glanced at
her watch.

"I wish to call at Mr. Pendleton's, but I must be at the Warrens' at
four promptly. How much time must I allow?"

"A half hour, Miss."

"Very well, John."

Nora took her card, and came back with the request that she follow
upstairs. "The baby's just waked up," Nora said.

Frances was disappointed. If she had to see a baby, she preferred, on
the whole, seeing it asleep.

Mrs. Pendleton came to the nursery door with the baby in her arms--or
rather a bundle presumably containing a baby.

"It's good of you to come," she smiled. "I think he must have waked up
just to see you."

She spoke unaffectedly and with no trace of embarrassment, although
when Nora presented the card she had for a second become confused. She
had hoped that Don would be at home when this moment came.

"You're sure it's convenient for me to stay?" questioned Frances
uneasily.

"Quite," answered Mrs. Pendleton. "I--I want you to see him when he's
good-natured."

She crossed the room to the window, and removed a layer of swaddling
clothes very gently. And there, revealed, lay Don, Jr. His face was
still rather red, and his nose pudgy; but when he opened his eyes
Frances saw Don's eyes. It gave her a start.

"He has his father's eyes," said the mother.

"There's no doubt of that," exclaimed Frances.

"And his nose--well, he hasn't much of any nose yet," she smiled.

"He seems very small--all over."

"He weighed ten pounds this morning," said the mother.

Don, Jr., was waving his arms about, rather feebly, but with
determination.

"He is very strong," the mother informed her. "Don declares that he
has all the earmarks of a football player."

It seemed odd to hear this other speak so familiarly of Don. Frances
glanced up quickly--and met Mrs. Pendleton's eyes. It was as if the
two challenged each other. But Frances was the first to turn away.

"Would you like to hold him a minute?" asked Mrs. Pendleton.

Frances felt her breath coming fast.

"I'm afraid I'd be clumsy."

"Hold out your arms and I'll put him in them."

Frances held out her arms, and Mrs. Pendleton gently laid the baby
across them.

"Now hold him up to you," she said.

Frances obeyed. The sweet, subtle aroma of his hair reached her. The
subtle warmth of his body met hers. As the mystic eyes opened below
her eyes, a crooning lullaby hidden some