She was astonished that even his baby son had not the power of engrossing his father's attention for more than a minute. He would take a look at the child, lay his finger on his cheek, and smiling at the little laugh that issued from his lips would turn away and run up to his study. Even the baby fingers had no power to keep him! How he could resist them Rachel could not imagine. "It is perfectly shameful the little notice you take of your son," she said one day laughingly. "It's a happy thing that he has a mother to look after him, poor little man." "I thought mothers always looked after them in the crying stage," he answered. "Just wait and see how I shall fulfil my duties when he is older." "I doubt it. Did you see the account of the baby sea lion that was born in the Zoo the other day? The mother undertook its education, teaching it to swim. The father avoided all responsibility. There are hosts of fathers like that." "Wait and see," answered Luke. And then the door bell was rung sharply and Rachel little thought that a new chapter in her life's story was about to begin. Luke had come in late after a heavy day's work in the parish, and the conversation just related had taken place at the supper table. He, rose to open the front door, and Rachel stood listening to a man's voice that she did not recognize. What she heard made her run into the hall and clasp her hands round her husband's arm, as if to shield him from the blow she knew the news would be to him. "When did it happen?" he was asking in a quiet tone of voice. His very quietness made Rachel aware of what he was feeling. Under any strain he was unnaturally still. "She was took about half an hour ago, Sir," said the man. "And the doctor, he say it would be as well for you to come round as soon as possible, and Mrs. Luke too. It's difficult to get a nurse just at once. But he say, that it ain't a really bad stroke. She can talk a bit, but is quite helpless on one side." "We'll come at once," said Luke, reaching for his hat which hung on the peg. "You'll follow directly, won't you?" he added. Rachel's thoughts flew at once to the baby who was sleeping peacefully upstairs, but who might wake any moment. She had never left him for more than a few minutes before. How could she leave him for an indefinite time in Polly's care! Polly was as good as gold, but had had no experience with babies. She was devoted to Pat, but her very devotion was likely to take an unwise form. She would probably give him anything he cried for, whether it were advisable or no. Rachel's heart sank at the prospect of leaving her little baby in her care. "Is it quite necessary that we should both go?" she asked faintly. Luke, forgetful of his little son, looked at her in surprise, and there was a tone of reproach in his voice as he said: "Surely we must not fail my mother at this time. I am quite sure that she would feel it very unkind if you did not go to her." "I will follow you," said Rachel.