They sat down and held each other rather tightly. Responsibilities, more than toys, more than novelties, spread before them. Then like a clear ray of light the same thought came to both of them. “They’ll be great companions for each other.” “I was thinking about that.” Fliss came in that night. There was more than usual radiance in her face. She dashed up for a visit to the nursery, down again to show Dick a new dance step and Cecily felt a little wistful as she watched her. Waiting--illness--the stretch looked very long. She wondered what Fliss would say if she knew. But Fliss was full of herself and in no mood to inspire confidences. “Why the million-dollar mood?” asked Dick. Fliss laughed and flushed a little. “I’ve had something happen to me--something nice.” “Secret? Tell us,” begged Cecily. “I want to hear something pleasant.” “It’s a real thrill. I’m engaged to be married. I’m to be married next month.” “Who?” Fliss had never looked more charming, more provocative. She dangled a gay little slipper from her toes and looked at them half teasingly. “You’d never guess. A real high-brow. What he’ll ever do with me I don’t know. But he can’t get away now.” And then, worked up to her climax, “I told him I was going to tell you when he wasn’t around--I wanted the fun. It’s Matthew.” “Well, isn’t that great!” said Dick, with the sincerest congratulation for Fliss and a more than faint wonder in his tone. But Fliss, if she analyzed his tone at all, was not disturbed. She was looking at Cecily. Over Cecily’s first shock of surprise there clouded a sense of relinquishment, unacknowledged. Deliberately she made herself pleased. “It’s wonderful.” And, more courteous than Dick, she added, “I’m awfully glad for Matthew.” Possibly she was not quite quick enough to say it. A little flash lit up Fliss’s brilliant face and she countered with quick frankness. “I get a lot more out of it than Matthew, but he’ll get something, according to my lights, and I may make him happier than people will expect. And,” most laughingly, “we can’t all be perfect Cecilys. And you were taken.” If Cecily thought the remark based on more than flippancy she gave no sign. When Matthew and Fliss came to see them a few days later and he was alone with Cecily for a few moments she was all congratulation. “She’ll keep you young, Matthew. She’s always so gay. I can see Dick brighten up whenever she comes in until I’m almost jealous. All men like her.” “Is that a recommendation for a wife?” he asked a little gravely. “Don’t be foolish. You know that I mean you’ll be very happy.” “I will be happy,” he answered. “I am happy.” He paused and looked at her intently. “I am glad that I am going to be married to Fliss and I am glad that you are alive. We take what we can get of happiness.”