Forgetful of everything but the unconquerable faith which was justified at last, she would not detain him even to greet him herself, but he drew back on the threshold. “Oughtn’t you to break it to her? The shock might be too great.” “The shock? She’s expecting you, has been for weeks!” cried Mabel hysterically. “Oh, Dick, I could die of joy!” “Mab,” came in Georgia’s tones through the half-closed door, “I hear Dick’s voice. Bring him in--bring him in.” “Oh, go on. She mustn’t get up; it’ll hurt her,” cried Mabel, pushing the door open. “Georgie, if you get up,” cried Dick, charging into the room, “I’ll--Oh, Georgie, Georgie!” He fell on his knees by the bed, and there was a long silence, interrupted only by broken words and sobs. As for Mabel, she banged the door, and rushed away to cry somewhere in private. “My poor dear boy!” said Georgia at last, her voice still trembling, as she passed her hand over Dick’s forehead, “you have wanted me very much, haven’t you?” “Your boy is a very old boy, I’m afraid--quite grey-haired now, Georgie. Wanted you? of course I have--words can’t express how much.” “I know. And you called to me one whole day and night, didn’t you?” “Why, yes, I suppose so. But how did you know?” “I heard you. I tried to get to you, Dick, but they wouldn’t let me.” “It’s a mercy they didn’t. Oh, Georgie, you blessed woman, what it is to see you again!” “And--?” cried Georgia. “Oh, you’ve forgotten--I’ve forgotten! Look here, Dick. You have never even thought of him. Take him up, and hold him in your arms.” “Don’t you think it’s happier as it is?” inquired Dick, poking the baby gingerly with a tentative finger. “_It_? It’s your son, Dick. Take him up at once. I want to see you together. Now, isn’t he splendid?” “Little beggar’s not a scrap like you,” grumbled Dick. “No,” said Georgia, with entire satisfaction; “every one says he’s the image of you.” “Oh no; not really?” protested Dick in dismay. “Why not? He’s a beautiful baby. Look what lovely eyes he has. And see how good he is; _mens aequa in arduis_ ought to be his motto, I always say.” “Oh, very well; if he feels it a hardship for me to hold him, I quite agree,” and the baby was returned with elaborate gentleness to the basket which served as a cradle. “Dick, aren’t you pleased? Don’t you really like him?” Georgia’s eyes were full of tears. “_Like_ him? My dear girl, in a day or two I shall be prouder of him than you are. But you see, it’s you I’ve been thinking of all this time, and I can’t think of anything else yet. I want to sit by you and look at you and hold your hand for hours and hours, and think of nothing but that I’ve got you again.” “I won’t accept compliments at my baby’s expense,” laughed Georgia through her tears. “Ah, he’s quite taken my place, I see. Now, old girl, I’m only joking. There!” Dick lifted the baby again, and laid it carefully in Georgia’s arms; “you hold him, and let me look at you both.”