exhibit her new treasure to all her friends and relatives, she is
entirely submissive to his will in the matter."

"Oh, well, I can wait," laughed Rosie. "Give her my love, mamma, and
tell her I am not staying away from any indifference to her or the
little newcomer."

"No fear that she would ever suspect you of that, Rosie dear," her
mother said, with a slight smile; "but I will assure her of your
interest in both herself and baby boy. Now good-bye till my return,
which I presume will be in the course of an hour or two."

"Don't hurry home on my account, mamma dear," returned Rosie. "I shall
not be lonely. I have letters to write, and that will make the time pass
quickly."

"It is a lovely day and the short drive with my son will be very
enjoyable," Mrs. Travilla remarked, as Harold handed her into the
vehicle.

"To us both, I hope, mother," he returned, giving her an affectionate
look and smile. "Yours is to me the best company in the world. The roads
are in fine condition," he added as he took up the reins and they
started down the avenue, "the fields and gardens along the way also, and
the air full of the fragrance of flower and shrub. Oh, on such a morning
as this it seems a joy just to be alive and well!"

"Yes," she responded, "oh, what cause for gratitude to the Giver of all
good that you and I, and all our nearest and dearest in this world, are
alive and well."