haven't been in a home in so long that it will take more than one
night for the novelty to wear off. Besides, that nurse of yours, Kit,
is good to look at,"--a bit of the rogue in his eye.

"Bob!"--from both women.

"I promise not to look at her; I promise."

"Well, I must be off," said John. "I'm late now. I've a dozen plans
for coast defenses to go over with an inventor of a new carriage-gun.
Will you go with me, while I put you up at the Metropolitan, or will
you take a shopping trip with the women?"

"I'll take the shopping trip. It will be a sensation. Have you any
horses?"

"Six."

"Six! You _are_ a lucky pup: a handsome wife, a bouncing boy,
and six horses! Where's the stable?"

"In the rear. I keep only two stablemen; one to take care of the
horses and one to act as groom. I'm off. I've a cracking good hunter,
if you'd like a leg up. We'll all ride out to Chevy Chase Sunday. By-
by, till lunch."

Mr. Robert immediately betook himself to the stables, where he soon
became intimately acquainted with the English groom. He fussed about
the harness-room, deplored the lack of a McClelland saddle, admired
the English curbs, and complimented the men on the cleanliness of the