Once Kate did not hear it for hours; she did not know she had forgotten to warm its milk, and that the poor little thing was shivering with cold pain. And when at last she awoke, and went over to the cot trying to collect her drink-laden thoughts, the little legs were drawn up, the face was like ivory, and a long thin wail issued from the colourless lips. Alarmed, Kate called for the landlady, who, after feeling the bottle, advised that the milk should be warmed. When this was done the child took a little and appeared relieved. Shortly after a bell was heard ringing, and the landlady said: 'I think it's your husband, ma'am.' It was usual for Dick, when he came in at night, to tell what Kate termed 'the news.' It amused her to hear what had been done at the theatre, what fresh companies had come to town. On this occasion it surprised him that she took so little interest in the conversation, and after hazarding a few remarks, he said: 'But what's the matter, dear? Aren't you well?' 'Oh yes, I'm quite well,' Kate answered stolidly. 'Well, what's the matter? You don't speak.' 'I'm tired, that's all.' 'And how's the baby?' 'I think she's asleep; don't wake her.' But Dick went over, and holding a candle in one hand he looked long and anxiously at his child. 'I'm afraid the little thing is not well; she's fidgeting, and is as restless as possible.' 'I wish you'd leave her alone; if she awakes, it's I who will have the trouble of her, not you. It's very unkind of you.' Dick looked at his wife and said nothing; but as she continued to speak, the evidences of drink became so unmistakable that he said, trying not to offend her: 'I'm afraid you've been drinking a little too much of the brandy the doctor ordered you.' At this accusation, Kate drew herself up and angrily denied having touched a drop of anything that day. 'How dare you accuse me of being drunk? You ought to respect me more.' 'Drunk, Kate? I never said you were drunk, but I thought you might have taken an overdose.' 'I suppose you'll believe me when I tell you that I've not had a teaspoonful of anything.' 'Of course I believe you, dear,' said Dick, who did not like to think that Kate was telling him a deliberate lie, and to avoid further discussion he suggested bed. Kate did not answer him, and he heard her trying to get undressed, and wondering at her clumsiness he asked himself if he should propose to unlace her stays for her. But he was afraid of irritating her, and thought it would be better to leave her alone to undo the knot as best she could. She tugged at the laces furiously, and thinking she might break them and accuse him of unwillingness to come to her assistance, he said, 'Shall I----' But she cut him short. 'Let me alone, let me alone!' she cried, and Dick kicked off his shoes. 'How can you be so unkind, or is it that you've no thought for that poor sick child?' she said; and Dick answered: