her son's child upon her bosom; but she knew
this could not be.

"Did your wife leave any kin?" she asked with
an effort.

"No near kin; she was an only child."

"You'll be gettin' married again," suggested
his mother.

"No," he replied; "I think not."

Warwick was still reading his sister's face, and
saw the spark of hope that gleamed in her expressive eye.

"If I had some relation of my own that I could
take into the house with me," he said reflectively,
"the child might be healthier and happier, and I
should be much more at ease about him."

The mother looked from son to daughter with a
dawning apprehension and a sudden pallor. When
she saw the yearning in Rena's eyes, she threw herself
at her son's feet.

"Oh, John," she cried despairingly, "don't take
her away from me! Don't take her, John, darlin',
for it'd break my heart to lose her!"