"Oh, is that so!" returned the younger woman, wrathfully. "Well, it
just happens, madam, that I was married."

"Laura!" entreated Farvel. "You mean--you mean the child is--ours?"

She tossed her head. "Is it bad news?" she asked.

Farvel's shoulders were shaking. "A-a-a-ah!" he murmured. He fumbled
for a handkerchief, crumbled it, and held it against his face.

"My dear Mrs. Farvel," began Mrs. Milo, in her best manner, "believe me
when I say that I'm very glad to hear all this. I know what the
temptations of this great city are, and naturally----" She got up. "A
reunited family, Mr. Farvel," she said, smiling graciously. "Oh, Susan
will be so pleased!" She fluttered toward the door, "So pleased!"

Clare gave a hissing laugh. "Oh, how that news will scatter!" she
exclaimed. And flounced into her chair.

Mrs. Milo was calling into the hall. "Susan! Susan dear!"

"On guard!" Sue was part way up the stairs, seated.

"Just a moment, my daughter." Leaving the door wide, Mrs. Milo came
fluttering back. "It really didn't surprise me," she declared, with a
wise nod at Balcome. "I half guessed a marriage."

"Hope for the worst!" mocked Clare.

Sue came in, with a quick look around. "Are you ready to go, mother?"

"You bet, mother is _not_ ready to go,"--this Clare, under her breath.

"My dear," said her mother, sweetly, "we have called you in to tell you
some good news."

Sue smiled. "I could manage to bear up under quite a supply of good
news." Farvel was brushing at his eyes. His face was averted, but she
guessed that he had been crying.

"First of all, Susan, Miss Crosby is----"

"Now, mother, does Miss Crosby want----"

"Wa-a-ait! Please! It is something she wishes you to know.--Am I
right?" This with that characteristic smile so wholly muscular.

"Right as the mail!" assured Clare, ironically again, and borrowing an
expression learned from Hull.

"Ah! Thank you!--Susan, Miss Crosby is not Miss Crosby at all. She is
married.--I'm so glad your husband has found you, my dear."

"Found? You--you don't mean----" There was a frightened look in Sue's
eyes.

Her mother misunderstood the look. "Yes, lucky Mr. Farvel," she said,
beaming. Then with precision, since Sue seemed not to comprehend,
"Mrs.--Alan--Farvel."

"I--see."

"Didn't I practically guess that Mr. Farvel was married?"

"Married,"--it was like an echo.

"And I was right!"

"Yes, mother,--yes--you're--you'