"She should have thought of that before leaving him," Mr. Thornton said dryly. "She should not have deserted the child, and does not deserve any consideration." "Well, we all do things we oughtn't to do. Even you do, 'cause I can see, lookin' closely at you, that you oughtn't to drink so much coffee, but you _do_; and the mother hadn't ought to have _had_ the baby in the first place, which she did, and she oughtn't 'a' left it on my stoop, but it's done. Now can't you think of something else to do with it except send it to a home? Ugh, that word makes a pizen in my blood!" Mr. Thornton clearly was exasperated that his very sensible advice was not acted upon immediately. "I have told you the only thing to do, and we are wasting time. I must go into the city. James, telephone the police." Drusilla sat up very erect. "James, you'll do nothing of the kind! I've decided. _I'll_ take the baby." _"What!"_ said Mr. Thornton, his exasperated look changing to one of consternation. "_What_!" said Daphne in delight. _"Quoi!"_ said Jeanne. James did not speak, but he stopped on his way to the telephone and expressed his astonishment as well as a well trained servant may express astonishment at the actions of an employer. Drusilla settled back in the chair and rocked back and forth with the sleeping baby in her arms, showing that she was enjoying the little explosive she had dropped in the midst of her family circle. There was silence for a few moments; then Mr. Thornton cleared his throat. "I really don't believe I understood you, Miss Doane," he said. Drusilla looked up at him with a twinkle in her eyes. "I said in plain English that I'd take the baby." Mr. Thornton looked at her, evidently at a loss for words to express his disapproval. Drusilla watched him, waiting for him to speak; and then, finding that he was silent, she said. "Now you take that chair, and set down in front of me. Jane, go away. James, go downstairs. Now, Mr. Thornton, fix yourself real comfortable and we'll talk." "But Miss Doane--"