“I don't believe you want me here.” “Oh, you can go if you want to.” Hunch looked at her, vaguely conscious that he had been unkind; but he went away without kissing her good-night. One morning, a day or two later, he was dressing, when Bruce came in, with disordered hair and excited eyes. “It's all right, Hunch; it's all right! Doctor says it's wonderful how she come through it.” Hunch sat on the bed without speaking, but with an almost painful expression of relief on his face. “It's a girl,” said Bruce, and he laughed. “Come on over, Hunch. It's a fine little kid. Come along with me.” “No,” said Hunch, slowly. “I don't believe I can just now.” “What's the matter? Why can't you come?” “I've got a lot of work to do to-day.” “Don't talk to me about working. You're my best friend and I want you to come first.” “No, I can't, Bruce.” “You make me tired, Hunch. You might as well be decent about it.” “There ain't no use of getting mad, Bruce. I'll get around before long.” “That's what I call----” “No, you don't, now, Bruce. You'd better go on back. I guess they need you anyhow.” Bruce muttered as he went out. He did not know why Hunch refused to go, and Hunch was not sure that he knew himself. All day Hunch alternated between a nervous buoyancy and a sense of depression. After supper he went to Bartlett's. Jess was watching at the window, and she hurried to open the door. He was wondering what to say, to show her that he was sorry for his unkindness, when she closed the door and flung her arms around his neck, and for a long time she cried on his shoulder. This was the end of their quarrel. Finally, when they were in the parlor, Jess said, with lowered eyes: “Have you been down to Marne's, John?” “No.” Hunch was embarrassed. “I--I went over this afternoon.” After a silence she went on. “Seems awful funny, don't it?” Hunch nodded. “She wants us to come down tonight. I didn't know whether you'd want to.” “Sure.” “She's awful proud about it. I--I can't get over thinking about it--about her and him. It's awfully little.” They walked to Bruce's and sat for an hour in the living room. Mamie was too sick to see them, but Bruce opened the door into her room so that she could hear their voices. Bruce was bubbling over with happiness. When he finally brought out the baby, a sickly little thing, he was laughing out loud. Jess took it in her arms. “My, ain't it light,” she said. “Six pounds,” said Bruce. “What's her name going to be?” “Dunno yet. Marne wants to name it after her mother.” “John,” said Jess, “take her just a minute. She's such a funny little thing.” Hunch moved away and shook his head. This made Bruce and Jess laugh. For the rest of the evening Hunch was thoughtful. His manner subdued Jess, and they walked home with little to say. The following night, as Hunch was coming away from Bartlett's, he met Jess's brother on the street.