hings now. Tom says we can't get them now,
an' Bert says we ain't never goin' to get them. What can a fellow do
when everybody's of different minds? Look at the socialists themselves.
They're always disagreeing, splittin' up, an' firin' each other out of
the party. The whole thing's bughouse, that's what, an' I almost get
dippy myself thinkin' about it. The point I can't get out of my mind is
that we want things now."

He broke off abruptly and stared at Saxon.

"What is it?" he asked, his voice husky with anxiety. "You ain't sick...
or... or anything?"

One hand she had pressed to her heart; but the startle and fright in her
eyes was changing into a pleased intentness, while on her mouth was
a little mysterious smile. She seemed oblivious to her husband, as if
listening to some message from afar and not for his ears. Then wonder
and joy transfused her face, and she looked at Billy, and her hand went
out to his.

"It's life," she whispered. "I felt life. I am so glad, so glad."

The next evening when Billy came home from work, Saxon caused him to
know and undertake more of the responsibilities of fatherhood.

"I've been thinking it over, Billy," she began, "and I'm such a healthy,
strong woman that it won't have to be very expensive. There's Martha
Skelton--she's a good midwife."

But Billy shook his head.

"Nothin' doin' in that line, Saxon. You're goin' to have Doc Hentley.
He's Bill Murphy's doc, an' Bill swears by him. He's an old cuss, but
he's a wooz."

"She confined Maggie Donahue," Saxon argued; "and look at her and her
baby."

"Well, she won't confine you--not so as you can notice it."

"But the doctor will charge twenty dollars," Saxon pursued, "and make
me get a nurse because I haven't any womenfolk to come in. But Martha
Skelton would do everything, and it would be so much cheaper."

But Billy gathered her tenderly in his arms and laid down the law.

"Listen to me, little wife. The Roberts family ain't on the cheap. Never
forget that. You've gotta have the baby. That's your business, an' it's
enough for you. My business is to get the money an' take care of you.
An' the best ain't none too good for you. Why, I wouldn't run the chance
of the teeniest accident happenin' to you for a million dollars. It's
you that counts. An' dollars is dirt. Maybe you think I like that kid
some. I do. Why, I can't get him outa my head. I'm thinkin' about'm all
day long. If I get fired, it'll be his fault. I'm cl