“There was a long article in the paper only this morning,” she told Zoie, “saying that three thousand husbands in this VERY CITY are fondling babies not their own.” Zoie turned her small head to one side, the better to study Aggie's face. It was apparent to the latter that she must be much more explicit. “Babies adopted in their absence,” explained Aggie, “while they were on trips around the country.” A dangerous light began to glitter in Zoie's eyes. “Aggie!” she cried, bringing her small hands together excitedly, “do you think I COULD?” “Why not?” asked Aggie, with a very superior air. Zoie's enthusiasm was increasing her friend's admiration of her own scheme. “This same paper tells of a woman who adopted three sons while her husband was in Europe, and he thinks each one of them is his.” “Where can we get some?” cried Zoie, now thoroughly enamoured of the idea. “You can always get TONS of them at the Children's Home,” answered Aggie confidently. “I can't endure babies,” declared Zoie, “but I'd do ANYTHING to get Alfred back. Can we get one TO-DAY?” she asked. Aggie looked at her small friend with positive pity. “You don't WANT one TO-DAY,” she explained. Zoie rolled her large eyes inquiringly. “If you were to get one to-day,” continued Aggie, “Alfred would know it wasn't yours, wouldn't he?” A light of understanding began to show on Zoie's small features. “There was none when he left this morning,” added Aggie. “That's true,” acquiesced Zoie. “You must wait awhile,” counselled Aggie, “and then get a perfectly new one.” But Zoie had never been taught to wait. “Now Aggie----” she began. Aggie continued without heeding her. “After a few months,” she explained, “when Alfred's temper has had time to cool, we'll get Jimmy to send him a wire that he has an heir.” “A few months!” exclaimed Zoie, as though Aggie had suggested an eternity. “I've never been away from Alfred that long in all my life.” Aggie was visibly annoyed. “Well, of course,” she said coldly, as she rose to go, “if you can get Alfred back WITHOUT that----” “But I can't!” cried Zoie, and she clung to her friend as to her last remaining hope. “Then,” answered Aggie, somewhat mollified by Zoie's complete submission. “THIS is the only way. The President of the Children's Home is a great friend of Jimmy's,” she said proudly. It was at this point that Zoie made her first practical suggestion. “Then we'll LET JIMMY GET IT,” she declared. “Of course,” agreed Aggie enthusiastically, as though they would be according the poor soul a rare privilege. “Jimmy gives a hundred dollars to the Home every Christmas,”--additional proof why he should be selected for this very important office. “Good Heavens!” exclaimed Zoie with shocked surprise. “If Alfred were to give a hundred dollars to a Baby's Home, I should suspect him.” “Don't be silly!” snapped Aggie curtly. In spite of her firm faith in Jimmy's innocence, she was undoubtedly annoyed by Zoie's unpleasant suggestion.