the topic. I was willing that others, coming after me, should
continue the argument--that is if, upon reflection, they were still
of opinion there was anything more to be said. I was pleased with
the article. I went out of my way to obtain an early copy of the
magazine in which it appeared, on purpose to show it to a lady friend
of mine. She was the possessor of one or two babies of her own,
specimens in no way remarkable, though she herself, as was natural
enough, did her best to boom them. I thought it might be helpful to
her: the views and observations, not of a rival fancier, who would
be prejudiced, but of an intelligent amateur. I put the magazine
into her hands, opened at the proper place.

"Read it through carefully and quietly," I said; "don't let anything
distract you. Have a pencil and a bit of paper ready at your side,
and note down any points upon which you would like further
information. If there is anything you think I have missed out let me
know. It may be that here and there you will be disagreeing with me.
If so, do not hesitate to mention it, I shall not be angry. If a
demand arises I shall very likely issue an enlarged and improved
edition of this paper in the form of a pamphlet, in which case hints
and suggestions that to you may appear almost impertinent will be of
distinct help to me."

"I haven't got a pencil," she said; "what's it all about?"

"It's about babies," I explained, and I lent her a pencil.

That is another thing I have learnt. Never lend a pencil to a woman
if you ever want to see it again. She has three answers to your
request for its return. The first, that she gave it back to you and