"Well, I was mighty glad when I heard you had adopted him. I
suppose you made sure about his parentage, where he hailed from
and what sort of people?"

"Oh yes." Eudora was very pale.

"That's right. Maybe some time you will tell me all about it. I
am coming over Thursday to have a look at the youngster. I have
to go to the city on business to-morrow and can't get back until
Thursday. I was coming over to-night to call on you, but I have
a man coming to the inn this evening--he called me up on the
telephone just now--one of the men who have taken my place in the
business; and as long as I have met you I will just walk along
with you, and come Thursday. I suppose the baby won't be likely
to wake up just yet, and when he does you'll have to get his
supper and put him to bed. Is that the way the rule goes?"

Eudora nodded in a shamed, speechless sort of way.

"All right. I'll come Thursday -but say, look here, Eudora.
This is a quiet road, not a soul in sight, just like an outdoor
room to ourselves. Why shouldn't I know now just as well as wait?
Say, Eudora, you know how I used to feel about you. Well, it has
lasted all these years. There has never been another woman I
even cared to look at. You are alone, except for that baby, and
I am alone. Eudora --"

The man hesitated. His flushed face had paled. Eudora paced
silently and waveringly at his side.