Balcome replied to her, and with no idea of sparing her feelings. "Yes, that puts quite a different face on things," he agreed; "--on what Wallace has done. The home of his best friend!" "Let's not talk about it!" begged Farvel. "All right, Mr. Farvel," answered Balcome, soothingly. "But my Hattie's happiness--that's what I'm thinking of." He came nearer to Clare now. "And before I go," he said to her, "I'd like to ask you one more question." "Oh, you would!" she retorted ironically. "Well, I'm not going to answer any more questions. I've got a lot to do. And I want to be let alone." She made as if to go. "Wait!" commanded Farvel. She flushed angrily. "Well? Well? Well?" she demanded, her voice rising. "We shan't trouble you again," assured the clergyman, more kindly. "Then spit it out!" she cried to Balcome. "I want to know," began Balcome, eyeing her keenly, "just whose child that is?" It was Farvel's turn to gasp. "Child?" he echoed. Mrs. Milo straightened against the green velours. "A child?" she said in turn. "You know who I mean," declared Balcome, not taking his look from Clare. "That little girl who called you Auntie." She tried to speak naturally. "That--that--she's a friend's child--a friend's child from up-State." "You told us she was your sister's child," persisted Balcome. She took refuge in a burst of temper. "Well, what if I did? I'm liable to say anything--to you!" There was a pause. Farvel watched Clare, but she looked down, not trusting herself to meet his eyes. As for Balcome, he had reached a conclusion that did not augur well for the happiness of his daughter. And his gaze wandered miserably. Curiously enough, not a hint occurred to Mrs. Milo that this new turn of affairs might have some bearing on her son. She found her voice first. "Ah, Mr. Balcome," she said sadly, nodding as she put away her glasses, "it's just as I told Sue: it's always the same story when a girl drops out of sight!" "Oh, is that so!" returned the younger woman, wrathfully. "Well, it just happens, madam, that I was married." "Laura!" entreated Farvel. "You mean--you mean the child is--ours?" She tossed her head. "Is it bad news?" she asked. Farvel's shoulders were shaking. "A-a-a-ah!" he murmured. He fumbled for a handkerchief, crumbled it, and held it against his face. "My dear Mrs. Farvel," began Mrs. Milo, in her best manner, "believe me when I say that I'm very glad to hear all this. I know what the temptations of this great city are, and naturally----" She got up. "A reunited family, Mr. Farvel," she said, smiling graciously. "Oh, Susan will be so pleased!" She fluttered toward the door, "So pleased!" Clare gave a hissing laugh. "Oh, how that news will scatter!" she exclaimed. And flounced into her chair. Mrs. Milo was calling into the hall. "Susan! Susan dear!" "On guard!" Sue was part way up the stairs, seated.