"Bob, why don't you get married yourself?" asked Mrs. Warburton.
"With your looks you won't have to go far nor begging for a wife."

"There's the rub, sister mine by law and the admirable foresight of
my only brother. What am I good for but ordering rookies about? I've
no business head. And it's my belief that an Army man ought never to
wed."

"Marry, my boy, and I'll see what can be done for you in the
diplomatic way. The new administration will doubtless be Republican,
and my influence will have some weight,"--and John smiled
affectionately across the table. He loved this gay lad opposite,
loved him for his own self and because he could always see the
mother's eyes and lips. "You have reached the age of discretion. You
are now traveled and a fairly good linguist. You've an income of
forty-five hundred, and to this I may be able to add a berth worth
two or three thousand. Find the girl, lad; find the girl."

"Honestly, I'll think it over, Jack."

"Oh!"

Three of the quartet turned wonderingly toward Mrs. Jack.

"What's the matter?" asked Jack.

"We have forgotten to show Bob the baby!"

"Merciful heavens!" bawled Robert. "A baby? This is the first time
I've heard anything about a baby,"--looking with renewed interest at