I grew very philosophical about my disappointment as time went on. I didn't mean to allow it to shadow my whole life. There was lots else to be thankful for. But that night after our little tea-party my philosophy seemed to leave me. It always does when I'm a little tired and need it most. I couldn't keep up any kind of conversation at dinner that night. I tried, but I couldn't. My thoughts got to travelling the wellworn path that they will stray away to every once in a while in spite of me, and it's always Will who comes to my rescue and pulls them back on to safe sure ground, before they lose themselves in utter dejection. "Let's play some cribbage!" he suggested lightly after dinner. I laid down my useless embroidery and listlessly drew up to the table. We played three games without an interruption. I won them all. Then just as Will was dealing for a fourth game I had to get out my handkerchief and wipe my eyes. "Oh, my dear girl!" said Will accusingly. "I know it, but I can't help it!" I replied. "It seems _too_ cruel! I simply can't bear not to use the room we built the house around. I wish we could find a little child somewhere that we could--borrow. You see, Will, a woman, to be really happy, seems to require a family to take care of, unless she's a genius--an artist or a poet, or something like that, which I'm not. Why, Will," I broke out, "I'm getting so I don't like to hear about other people's children--or see them or want them around. When Alice spoke about bringing her baby into my garden it seemed as if I'd simply have to find _somewhere_ a little creature of our own to play with the flowers I've planted. Don't I _know_ it's a perfect place for children? Don't I know it? And does she think we also wouldn't be prouder of a little child than of your discoveries? Oh, Will, I know how disappointed you are. You won't say it but I know it's awfully hard for you too." "Nonsense," Will scoffed. "What's hard about it? I've got you, haven't I? You and I are the two best children at playing games in a garden that _I_ ever saw. _I'm_ perfectly satisfied. Come ahead, cut the cards. I'm about to beat you now at five games of crib." I shook my head and looked away.