"I didn't really want you but I wanted to know where you were. I've asked you time and time again when you go out to tell me where you're going." "I wanted to, Mother, but it was such a long story. Last night you were too busy to hear it; and this morning there was no chance to talk to you either." He heard his mother sigh. "It's a pretty kind of a life I lead if my own children can't get a minute to talk to me." "But you are busy, Ma. You know you are." "I certainly do. Nobody knows it better," replied the woman with a sad shake of her head. Carl, sensing the regret in her tone, hastened to say: "Well, at least the family is not so thick around here now as usual. Where is everybody?" "Mary is out with James Frederick; Timmie has gone to the park to coast; and Martin and Nell are at the day nursery." "Then we have it all to ourselves." "For a second or two, yes." "That's bully!" Drawing up a kitchen chair he sat down beside his mother. "It's nice to have them gone sometimes," remarked he. "The kids make such a racket." "They'll not always be making it," returned Mrs. McGregor philosophically. "And anyway, the three of them put together can never equal the hullabaloo you used to make when you were their age." "I'm quiet enough now," grinned Carl sheepishly. "Quiet, you call it, do you? Quiet! And you prancing home from every ball game with a black eye or else the clothes half torn off you!" She chuckled mischievously. "But you're not telling me where you've been. Up to some deviltry, I'll be bound, or you wouldn't be so anxious to get it off your conscience." "I haven't been up to any high jinks this time, Ma," protested the lad soberly. "You'll see when I tell you." Slowly he related his story while his mother bent over her needle, spangling with brilliants a gauze of azure hue. She was a wonderful listener, sympathetic in her intentness. When the boy had finished her hand wandered to touch his rough sleeve. "A kind deed is never amiss in the world," observed she briefly. "If we would but pass on to other folks the kindness people do to us the world would soon become a pleasanter place. I'm thankful to know Louise has her job back, or rather that she has a better one. She's a good girl and deserves it. Besides, with Christmas coming, it would be hard to be without money." "And Mr. Coulter--wasn't he great? And wasn't it all funny?"