Indifference begets indifference. Love begets Love. Two months from the time that Edith announced her engagement, her marriage took place. It was an exceedingly quiet wedding, as Edith especially wished. George was invited, but much to Edith's disappointed, he sent his regrets. Edith was radiantly happy. Howard never flagged in his absolute devotion to her, and her very slightest wish seemed anticipated. Her parents, contemplating her exceptional joy, grew quite enthusiastic over the union, and life seemed full of sunshine. On her return from their honeymoon, a beautiful country home awaited Mrs. Howard Hester. There she spent three months, returning in the winter to a home still more attractive. Edith spent the summer in a dream, extolling every act of Howard's with an exaggeration born of her own goodness. She also laid plans for a very busy winter, devoted to charitable work. To all, Howard smilingly acquiesced as usual. His plans were of an entirely different nature. Outside of business hours, his time would be spent in the pursuit of pleasure. He mapped out the winter with keen delight, and Edith in turn smiled assent to all his wishes. What could be more perfect than this ideal marriage,--each one ready to let the other live an individual life. Edith would prefer not to have so much gayety, but if Howard desired it, surely she ought to accompany him everywhere. He was always so considerate of her! When Howard was occupied in business, she could do all the wonderful things that she had dreamed of. Added to all this happiness, a greater happiness finally came to Edith. This was the knowledge that she was to become a mother. For several months she kept the secret to herself, planning a general surprise for her husband and parents. Howard, she told first, and met with her first disappointment in married life. He was not pleased, as she had expected him to be; in fact he was quite the reverse. "I wish Edith, it hadn't happened so soon," he said gravely; "It will tie us down fearfully, and after all the plans that I have made! It's really too bad!" "But, Howard, just think of our having a wee little life sent to us to care for and love. It seems so beautiful to me. I cannot understand your not rejoicing." "You are quite enough for me to care for and love, my dear," he replied, giving her a slight caress. "I can't help thinking that children are a nuisance, but it's no use worrying over what is done." Seeing a shadow flittering over her face, he added quickly, "There Edith, don't you worry about it and spoil your pretty smiles. You shall not be tied down, never fear. I shall see that you are as free as the air, if you have a dozen children," he said laughing. "I was not thinking about that, Howard," she replied quietly. "I would so love to care for the little one--my own baby!--It seems too good to be true! but I do wish you were as glad as I am over it!"