"You'll never guess who wrote to me--_your dear son, James_! It's the first time in his life he ever had anything to say to his sister. It must have been quite a sacrifice for him to spare the three cents for the stamp. But seriously, Mother, I was _touched_. He's _really_ a very good kid at heart. He didn't say much but from him the very idea of writing means a lot. I've misplaced the letter now but I'll let you see it later. It was so very amusing." She would have to say something nice to James, thought Carrie. He was, she agreed with Barbara, a most thoughtful boy. He had changed of late. Not that he behaved very differently about hanging up his coat or leaving his shoes in the middle of the floor at night but there was something about him, she couldn't tell what, that made her feel he was a treasure among sons, a joy and a comfort. * * * * * She was aware of a feeling of pride in him that night when she and Bill left him staring at the television set. He had promised faithfully to go to bed at 9:30 and as she kissed him she said, "Don't forget to have a glass of milk and some jam and bread." "And don't forget to go to bed at nine-thirty," growled Bill. "He won't forget," said Carrie. "He promised. Goodnight, dear." As he closed the door behind them Bill said, "Bet he stays up till ten at least." "You don't appreciate him," replied Carrie. "He's an extraordinary boy." "No different from any other kid--except that he's ours." "He's very much different. I'm afraid you're not very perceptive about these things." Bill growled again, something unintelligible this time, and the conversation died down. _The romance is out of our marriage_, thought Carrie. _A husband like Bill is never very polite. Except, of course, to other men's wives. He takes me for granted, just as he takes his children._ _Bet he won't behave to the others tonight as casually as he behaves to me. I remember that time Mrs. Gamber was over at the Munros'. You would have thought that woman was a poor delicate fragile little flower who had to be tenderly cared for. Whereas we all know she has the strength of a horse. Looks a little like one too. What any man can see in her...._ "Why, hello, Mrs. Gamber," she said as they entered the Munro house. "I was hoping so much that we'd find you and your husband here again this evening. Clara said that you were afraid you wouldn't be able to get out. How is little Elsie?" "Much better, thank you." So much for formal politeness. Bill, of course, was all set to treat her with his usual tenderness when Clara Munro said, "They have the most wonderful program on tonight. Let's look at it for a while." Carrie didn't mind at all. At least looking at the screen would keep Bill from worrying too much about Mrs. Gamber. Although, goodness knows, if they had meant to watch television they might just as well have stayed home with their own son.