kids; it was absurd for two grownup people to give each other a
Christmas-tree. Now, where is--" He began searching in the empty
envelope.

With a quick stealthy movement, Aubrey put his foot upon the note.

"It is not here," said Ronnie, shaking out the thin sheets one by one,
and tearing open the envelope. "She has forgotten it, after all. Well--I
should think it will keep. It can hardly have been important."

"Evidently," remarked Aubrey, "third thoughts followed second thoughts.
Even Helen would scarcely put a lecture on economy into a welcome-home
letter."

"No, of course not," agreed Ronnie, and walked unsteadily to his chair.

Aubrey, stooping, transferred the note from beneath his foot to his
pocket.

Ronald read his letter through again, then turned to Aubrey.

"Look here," he said. "I must send a wire. Helen wants to know whether I
wish her to meet me in town, or whether I would rather she waited for
me at home. What shall I say?"

Aubrey Treherne rose. "Think it over," he said, "while I fetch a form."

He left the room.

He was some time in finding that form.

When he returned his face was livid, his hand shook.

Ronald sat in absorbed contemplation of the Infant.

"It appears more perfect every time one sees it," he remarked, without
looking at Aubrey.

Aubrey handed him a form for foreign telegrams, and a fountain pen.

"What are you going to say to--to your wife?" he asked in a low voice.

"I don't know," said Ronnie, vaguely. "What a jolly pen! What am I to do
with this?"

"You are to let Helen know whether she is to meet you in town, or to
wait at the Grange."

"Ah, I remember. What do you advise, Treherne? I don't seem able to
make plans."

"I should say most decidedly, let her wait for you at home."

"Yes, I think so too. I shall be rushing around in town. I can get home
before tea-time. How shall I word it?"

"Why not say: _Owing to satisfactory news in letter, prefer to meet you
quietly at home. All well._"

Ronnie wrote this at Aubrey's dictation; then he paused.

"What news?" he asked, perplexed at the words he himself had written.

"Why--that Helen is quite well. Isn't that satisfactory news?"

"Oh, of course. I see. Yes."

"Then you might add: _Will wire train from London._"

"But I know the train now," objected Ronnie. "I have been thinking of it
for weeks! I shall catch the 3 o'clock express."

"Very well, then add: _Coming by 3 o'clock train. Home to tea._"