not going to bully me into doing what I think is wrong. If you ever
mention my going back to my husband again, I'll--I'll--"

"I suppose you'll leave us as well?" he said sarcastically.

Fanny, meantime, was making frantic signs to her husband to desist.
Angrily she exclaimed:

"Jimmie--will you stop?"

She was about to put her hand over her husband's mouth to silence him
when Virginia interfered. In a resigned tone, she said weakly:

"Let him talk. No, I couldn't leave you. I've got to have some one to
love. And you know I love you, don't you?"

"I should say so," exclaimed Fanny, embracing her.

Taking her sister's hand Virginia turned towards her brother-in-law.
The look of anger and defiance had died out of her face. In its place
was a peaceful expression of patient resignation. Gently she said:

"And I love the baby--dearly! Yes, and you as well, Jimmie! Oh, you
don't know how hard this has been for me! You see, I've not only had
my own sorrows and troubles--and they've been quite enough for any
woman--"

Fanny tenderly embraced her sister. Placing a cup of tea in front of
her she said soothingly:

"Never mind, dearie--everything will come out all right."

Virginia shook her head. Mournfully she said:

"But I've had yours as well--to know Jimmie lost his position because
of me. To have you come down in the world like this--because of me; to
know Jimmie is just where he started! To see you--breaking your
back--at the washing--"

Standing over her, Fanny stroked her hair, trying to reassure her.
Cheerily she said:

"Don't you worry about me. I'm all right."

"It's been dreadfully hard," went on Virginia tearfully. "At times
I've felt that I just couldn't bear it--that I should--have--to go
back, because, after all, I'm only human! And I may have to go back
yet--I may--" She stopped abruptly and threw back her head. With
spirit she exclaimed: "No, I won't go back. I won't!" Then, her tone
changing again, she said pleadingly: "But please don't talk about it
any more. I'm so tired!"

She sank listlessly into a chair at the table. Jimmie, judging the
moment favorable to renew the attack, opened his mouth as if to speak,
but before he could utter a word Fanny silenced him.

"Oh, shut up!" she exclaimed, more forcibly than elegantly.

"I didn't say anything," he protested.

"No, but you were going to!" she retorted. Turning to Virginia and
pushing the tea-cup before her, she said coaxingly:

"Ta