"We are happy to say that we think you have written a book of rare distinction, of clear thinking and sure character building. It will give us great pleasure to publish it in the list of our spring books. We do not hope that it will be a 'best seller,' Mrs. Paxton, because in this country, artistic distinction, alas, is not an easily marketed commodity; but we consider it a privilege to have our imprint on a book of this quality. "Will you come in at your convenience to sign the contract? "Most sincerely yours, etc." Jane laid her head against the foot of her son's bed, so deeply moved that she could not stir. Her joy was so great that it flooded her with a sense of consecration to a higher task. It was a fine devotional moment, to be put beside the other great moment of her life, when her son was laid in her arms. She thought of Jerry, then; what it would mean to him. She would not wait to give him the book, she would share the precious secret with him this very day; it might be like a new marriage sacrament between them. Then came the realization of Martin's joy at her fulfilment. She hurried to the telephone and called his club, leaving an urgent message for him to come to her if he should come back to town during the day. She ran upstairs again to Baby, and explained it to him, every step of the long way to now. She laughed and made merry as she talked and Baby gurgled his appreciation. Then they discussed the future. She built up dreams of success and fame that rivalled even the visions that had come to Baby on his journey out of nowhere to here. She heard the bell ring below and she flew downstairs, reaching the door almost as soon as Anna, in the hope that it was Martin. "Oh, Jerry, I thought you were Martin!" she exclaimed. "Sorry to be such a disappointment." "Oh, you're not; I want to see you, too." "Much obliged." He went into the studio and she followed. "I'm sorry I've irritated you Jerry, but I'm terribly excited, and not quite myself." "What's happened?" quickly. "The biggest thing that ever happened to me--next to Baby." "You're in love with Christiansen!" "Jerry, you foolish thing, no! It's something I've done." "Go on. I'm prepared for the worst. Have you gambled away all our money, or have you killed somebody?" She faced him, her eyes anxiously seeking his. "Jerry, it's a serious thing. I've wanted to tell you for a long time; it may make a big difference in our life together." "Jane, what is all this?" he demanded curtly. CHAPTER XXVI Jerry sat down on the couch, by the fire, and Jane stood looking down at him. She was trembling at the excitement of the moment. "We haven't talked much of our inner selves, Jerry, and it's a little hard to begin--especially as this goes away back to the beginning of the time I came to the studio. Did you ever wonder why I took the work you offered?"