by have assuaged her pain a little, I think, but, now, it will
return in full force, as poignant as ever. I am sorry that I looked at
that paper. If I had put it aside as I often do, without even looking at
it, I should never have known anything about that letter and it might
have been better for her peace of mind. Now, of course, I feel bound to
let her know, but, at least, I will let her have a tranquil night!

How keen and shrewd women are! No sooner did they return to my room, all
primped up and ready to go, with Baby Paul clad in his best, than Frieda
innocently asked what was the matter with me. Frances also asked if I
were angry. Had she made me wait too long?

I was compelled to declare that my feelings were in apple-pie order,
that happiness reigned in my bosom and that I enjoyed waiting, before
they were satisfied. I wish my emotions did not show so plainly on my
face. It is for this reason, I suppose, that Gordon once adjured me
never to learn the ancient game of draw-poker. He said that fleecing me
would be child's play for the merest beginner.

We went down and directed our steps towards Madame Felicie Smith's shop.
One can get in, even on Sundays, since the good woman lives there. She
is always delighted to mind Paul for a couple of hours, and this
arrangement is far superior to the old one, which entailed a long
westerly jaunt to the home of the washerlady, besides the climbing of
many stairs.

The folding baby carriage was left at home, for the walk is but a short
one and Frances loves to carry her little one. My offer to assume the
charge was at once rejected, Frieda complaining that even she was
considered somewhat unreliable as a beast of burden. Frances laughed,
cheerfully, but held on to her treasure. She is no longer nervous and
fretful when leaving Baby Paul for a couple of hours, knowing that, if
he happens to awaken, there will be soothing words of affection for him.
We had to ring a tinkling bell for admittance and Felicie, buxom and of
high color, welcomed us all. Certainly she would care for the angel;
most evidently she would look after the precious lamb; with not the
slightest doubt she would love and cherish the little cabbage. While I
remained in the penumbra of the half darkened shop, it took the three of
them to see the baby properly installed on the bed in the back room.
Frances and Frieda heard the solemn promise made to them, to the effect
that there would be no adventitious aid t