“We haven’t seen them for a long while. I miss Matthew, too. We used to have the finest talks. He had a way of making me think about things. I don’t know why I haven’t seen them, but I really haven’t seen anybody. For a while you know I was a bit down--low in my spirits, after----” “Poor old Cecily. You certainly had every right” “We mustn’t, Dick. It doesn’t sound as if we wanted the baby. I feel so guilty when I look at him to think I ever didn’t. Well, when I was feeling like that I didn’t want to see Fliss. She was so awfully gay--and so pretty and slim, you know. It used to irritate me. So I didn’t ask her here any more. And that meant not asking Matthew, of course, though I did miss him a lot.” “Well, you’re slim enough now--and a lot prettier than Fliss ever was or could be--and with something to show for your trouble.” “I know. But we don’t somehow jibe in ideals--Fliss and I. She likes that endless party-giving and party-going. I don’t think she wants any children.” “Well,” said Dick, tolerantly, “she’s hardly the type.” Cecily became a little rigid. “She hasn’t any right to dodge responsibilities. And I’m sure Matthew would like children. He is so fond of Dorothea and Leslie.” “It’s hardly our business, dear.” “Of course it isn’t. But I was fond of Fliss, especially after she was so fine when Dorothea was born. You know we did entertain for her and tried to make her know a few more people when she was just married, until we went to war. But she doesn’t seem to have much depth. Do you like a person who hasn’t more depth than Fliss?” “I have all grades of liking,” pleaded Dick. “She’s amusing.” “Well, if you feel so keenly about it,” said Cecily, “I’ll ask them to dinner next week. I’ll be glad to see Matthew and we’ll have an old time party.” “Theater afterwards--maybe the Orpheum? We can get home early from there.” “If you like,” assented Cecily. Dick felt as if a point had been conceded to him when he was not in the least anxious for a personal concession. He went a few mental steps backward to see just where he had gone off the point, but it was an idle chase and he abandoned it after a moment.