d, rather coldly, 'that Mrs. Abbott will
teach better than Pauline?'

'It isn't only that. Hughie must have companions. I thought we had
agreed about it.'

'Have you inquired who his companions will be?'

'Oh--the ordinary children of ordinary people,' he replied, with some
impatience. 'I don't know that babies are likely to corrupt each other.
But, of course, you will ask Mrs. Abbott all about that kind of
thing--or anything else you wish.'

Alma shook her head, laughing carelessly.

'No, no. That is all in _your_ hands. You have discussed it with her,
haven't you?'

'I haven't so much as mentioned it. But, of course, I am quite willing
to relieve you of all trouble in the matter.'

His tone seemed to startle Alma, for she looked up at him quickly, and
spoke in a more serious voice.

'I don't think we quite understand each other about Hughie. Why should
you be so anxious? He seems to me to be doing very well. Remember, he's
only a little more than three years old--quite a baby, as you say. I
don't think he would feel the want of companions for another year at
least.'

Harvey met her look, and replied quietly.

'It isn't that I'm anxious about him. I have to plan for his education,
that's all.'

'You're beginning rather early. Fathers don't generally look after
their children so young.'

'Unfortunately, they don't,' said Harvey, with a laugh. 'Mothers do,
here and there.'

'But surely you don't mean that I am neglectful, Harvey?'

'Not at all. Teaching isn't your metier, Alma.'

'I have always confessed that. But, then, the time for teaching Hughie
has hardly come. What can Pauline do but just see that he doesn't get
into mischief?'

'That's the very reason why he would be better for two or three hours a
day with some one who knows _how_ to teach a child of his age. It isn't
as unimportant as you think. Pauline does very well, but Mrs. Abbott
will do better.'

Vexed at his own cowardliness--for he could not utter the words that
leaped to his tongue--Harvey fell into a perverse insistence on Mrs
Abbott's merits. He had meant to confine himself within the safe excuse
that the child needed companionship. Forbidden the natural relief of a
wholesome, hearty outburst of anger--which would have done good in many
ways--his nerves drove him into smothered petulance, with the result
that Alma misread him, and saw in his words a significance quite apart
from their plain meaning.

'I have not the least int