Her bridal raiment afforded Sue an excuse for changing the subject. "Oh, mother, look! How lovely!" "Don't evade my question," chided the elder woman. Sue reached for her mother's hand. "Ah, poor little hungry hearts," she pleaded. "Those boys just long to call somebody mother." Mrs. Milo drew her hand free. "Then let them call me mother," she returned. "Hup!" laughed Hattie, hastily averting her face. Sue turned to her, mild wonder in her eyes. "Oh, mother's the best mother in the world," she declared; "--and the sweetest.--And you love the boys, don't you, dear?" Mrs. Milo was watching Hattie's lowered head through narrowed eyes. "I love them--naturally," she answered, with a note of injury. "Of course, you do! You're a true mother. And a true mother loves anybody's baby. But--the trouble is"--this with a tender smile--"you--you don't always show them the love in your heart." "Well," retorted her mother, "I shan't let them make you ridiculous.--Momsey!" From the Church came the sound of boyish laughter, mingled with snatches of a hymn. The hymn was Ikey's favorite, and above all the other voices sounded his-- "_O Mutter Dear, Jaru-u-u-usalem----_" Sue turned her head to listen. "They know they've got a right to at least one parent," she said, almost as if to herself. "Preferably a mother." "But you're an unmarried woman!" "Still what difference does that make in----" "Please don't argue." "No, mother,"--dutifully. "To refer to yourself in such a way is most indelicate. Especially before Hattie." There was no dissembling in the look Hattie Balcome gave the older woman. The young eyes were full of comprehension, and mockery; they said as plainly as words, "Here is one who knows you for what you are--in spite of your dainty manners, your gentle voice, your sweet words." Nor could the girl keep out of her tone something of the dislike and distrust she felt. "Well, Mrs. Milo!" she exclaimed. "I think it's a terrible pity that Sue's not a mother." "Oh, indeed!"--with quick anger, scarcely restrained. "Well, the subject is not appropriate to unmarried persons, especially young girls. Let us drop it." "Mother!"--And having diverted Mrs. Milo's resentful stare to herself, Sue now deliberately swung the possibility of censure her way in order to protect Hattie. "Mother, shouldn't a woman who hasn't children fill her arms with the children who haven't mothers? Why shouldn't I mother our orphan boys and girls?" "I repeat: The subject is closed. And when the wedding is over, I don't want the boys in here again." Sue blinked guiltily. "But--er--hasn't Mr. Farvel told you?" "Told me what?" "Of--of his plan." "Plan?" "Oh, it's a splendid idea!" "Really,"--with fine sarcasm. "Every day, five orphans in to dinner." Mrs. Milo was aghast. "Dinner? _Here_?" "As Ikey says, 'Ve vill eat mit a napkins.'"