Melchisedek make a futile attempt to waggle his dripping tail; it only splattered sadly against the top of the pail, and he gave up that effort in favor of one to climb into Cicely's lap. "No; Melchisedek must stand on own footies. What is your news, Allyn?" "Mr. Barrett is here. Called, last night." "On Babe?" "On the whole family." "It was meant for Babe, though," Cicely said conclusively. "But it strikes me he doesn't waste much time." "About what?" "About putting in an appearance here. Babe has only been at home for two days." "You think it is Babe, then?" "Who else? You didn't see them in New York, Allyn. I did." Cicely emphasized her rhetoric by rubbing Melchisedek so violently that he howled. "There! Poor little boy! Stand still!" she added. "But Babe doesn't care two pins for him." "Perhaps. Perhaps not. Wait and see." "Of course she doesn't. Fancy Babe in love!" He giggled derisively at the idea. "Fancy Melchisedek neat and dressed up in a pink bow!" she retorted. "It seems impossible now; but it will occur in time. Allyn, what do you suppose sent Babe into medicine?" "Sheer Babe-ishness." "She won't stay there." "Maybe. But I think Babe really wants to do something," he added, with sudden gravity. "You know papa isn't very rich, to say the least, and Babe is an independent mortal that wouldn't want to be supported all her days." "I wonder if that did have anything to do with it," Cicely said musingly. "It must be horrid to have to think about money things." "Don't you ever do it?" "No. Papa attends to all that, and he has all he wants. Oh, but won't it be good to see him!" "Are you glad you're going, Cis?" Allyn's tone showed that he was hurt at the thought. "No," she said flatly. "I have missed papa terribly, more than you can even imagine; but I have had a very happy year here, and I shall be sorry to go away. You've all made it pleasant for me, Allyn; you and Cousin Ted more than any of the rest." "I--I'm glad if we have. It doesn't seem so. But what am I going to do without you, Cis?" "Take to Jamie Lyman," she said merrily. "He won't fight with you as I do. Tell me about Mr. Barrett, Allyn. How long is he going to stay?" "Till the day before Christmas." "I hope he will call here. I'd like to see him," she said, as she gave Melchisedek a final polish and set him down on the floor. "Oh, Allyn, I am so glad I am to have one jolly Christmas here. Papa and I have been by ourselves lately, and it will be great fun to have a whole large family to play with."