Robert appeared a bit mollified at this knowledge. "But what shall I do after that?" he wailed. "You're the only person I can order about, and now you're going the other side of the range." "Bob, why don't you get married yourself?" asked Mrs. Warburton. "With your looks you won't have to go far nor begging for a wife." "There's the rub, sister mine by law and the admirable foresight of my only brother. What am I good for but ordering rookies about? I've no business head. And it's my belief that an Army man ought never to wed." "Marry, my boy, and I'll see what can be done for you in the diplomatic way. The new administration will doubtless be Republican, and my influence will have some weight,"--and John smiled affectionately across the table. He loved this gay lad opposite, loved him for his own self and because he could always see the mother's eyes and lips. "You have reached the age of discretion. You are now traveled and a fairly good linguist. You've an income of forty-five hundred, and to this I may be able to add a berth worth two or three thousand. Find the girl, lad; find the girl." "Honestly, I'll think it over, Jack." "Oh!" Three of the quartet turned wonderingly toward Mrs. Jack. "What's the matter?" asked Jack. "We have forgotten to show Bob the baby!" "Merciful heavens!" bawled Robert. "A baby? This is the first time I've heard anything about a baby,"--looking with renewed interest at the young mother. "Do you mean to tell me, John Warburton, that you failed to mention the fact in any of your letters?" indignantly demanded Mrs. John. "Why--er--didn't I mention it?" asked the perturbed father. "Nary a word, nary a word!" Robert got up. "Now, where is this wonderful he?--or is it a she?" "Boy, Bob; greatest kid ever." And they all trooped up the stairs to the nursery, where Mr. Robert was forced to admit that, as regarded a three-months-old, this was the handsomest little colt he had ever laid eyes on! Mr. Robert even ventured to take the boy up in his arms. "How d'ye hold him?" he asked. Mrs. John took the smiling cherub, and the manner in which she folded that infant across her young breast was a true revelation to the prodigal, who felt his loneliness more than ever. He was a rank outsider. "Jack, you get me that diplomatic post, and I'll see to it that the only bachelor in the Warburton family shall sleep in yonder cradle." "Done!" "How long is your furlough?" asked Nancy. "Whom do you think the baby resembles?" asked the mother. "One at a time, one at a time! The baby at present doesn't resemble any one." "There's your diplomat!" cried John, with a laugh. "And my furlough is for several years, if not longer." "What?" This query was general and simultaneous. "Yes, I've disbanded. The Army will now go to rack and ruin. I am a plain citizen of the United States. I expect to spend the winter in Washington." "The winter!" echoed Jack, mockingly dejected.