urried anxious
journey had been hard upon her.

So I went out, just as Frieda came bustling in, monstrously alarmed and
immediately made happy by the knowledge that there was, as yet, no
danger, and I went home where I met Mrs. Milliken on the doorstep.

"How d'ye do, Mr. Cole," she said. "You look a bit played out and your
bed ain't been slept in. At your time o' life you want to take more care
of your health. I wanted to say something as I ain't told any one yet.
I'm goin' to give up the house soon. My uncle Ambrose he died and has
left me a little money, so I'm going to be a lady of leisure now and
live with my daughter."

"I wish you joy, Mrs. Milliken. You deserve a rest from your hard
toiling."

I left her and climbed up to my room. It seems that I shall have to give
it up soon. Yet it is the only little corner of the earth I am attached
to. Where shall I go?

The room opposite is vacant still. I have been paying rent for it since
Frances left, being unable to bear the idea of its being occupied by--by
any one else. Besides, I can go in there when I want to and sit in the
armchair and indulge in memories of the days when I saw her so often. I
didn't know I was so happy then, but I realize it now, with no feelings
of regret, because I know her life is so much fuller and happier now
that she is in a world no longer of sadness and anxious care.

And so I saw Frances and Baby Paul every day for another week, and he
got along so well that it was a joy to watch his constant improvement.
Mrs. Gobbins, over by the little lake, answered a letter of mine, saying
that she would be delighted to have Mrs. Dupont there, and the baby, for
as long a time as she cared to stay. Porter had recommended a little
country air.

It was heartbreaking to say good-by. I had meant to go with them, at
least for a day, but at the last minute Ceballo insisted I must attend
the first rehearsal of the "Land o' Love," a play in four acts. So I
went to the theatre, but for the life of me could take little interest
in what went on. I returned home with a dreadful headache, and the next
morning my throat was sore and my limbs ached. When Mrs. Milliken came
up to attend to the room, she found me still in bed and insisted on
sending for Dr. Porter at once.

"Hello! I'm afraid you'll have to go to the babies' ward," he told me,
after a glance.

"What the deuce do you mean?" I said. "I'm as sick as a dog."

"I know you are and I beg your par