t least," she thought with a sudden uplift, "I'll adopt little
Daphne into our home circle."

When Mr. Procter arrived home for supper he found, playing happily
about, the little addition to his family. Suzanna took her father off to
one corner to explain all about Daphne.

"And so I've given my share in mother to Daphne whenever she visits us,"
concluded Suzanna.

Mr. Procter smiled and touched Suzanna's dark hair. Later he arranged a
chair so Daphne might be comfortable at the supper table. A book and a
cushion brought that state of comfort about, and the child was very
happy. She was, for the time being, a member of an interesting family,
everyone trying his best to entertain her. Even Peter forgot the loss of
his dog and said some funny things which made Daphne laugh.

After supper David called for his little daughter. Daphne cried out
joyfully as he entered.

"Oh, I've had such a good time, Daddy David," she exclaimed.

He lifted her to his shoulder, then gazed about the little family
circle. His eyes lingered on Mrs. Procter.

"You've been good to Daphne, I know," he said simply. "And so good
night."

"While you're here, David," said Mr. Procter, "I'll show you my
invention."

"Fine!" David said; he swung the little girl from his shoulder. "I'd
like to see that machine."

So they all went upstairs to the attic. The machine stood brooding in
its peace.

Mr. Procter lit a lamp. Its glow fell softly upon the little group.

"Old John Massey came into the shop today," said Mr. Procter. "He
promised to come in and see the machine tomorrow."

"Does he know its object?" asked David.

"No, there's been no chance to tell him."

"Why is he interested, then?" asked David. "Has his commercial instinct
been aroused?"

"Oh, I think not," said the inventor, "I've not spoken to him about that
part of it, only told him a great chance was his if he became interested
in the machine."

"Someone's ringing the bell. Run down, Peter," said Mrs. Procter.

Peter went down and returned at once with a note.

"A man with brass buttons brought it," he said. "It's for father."

Mr. Procter tore open the letter.

"Well, that's decent of John Massey to let me know," he said. "He's ill
and will be unable to come here tomorrow."

"Yes, very decent for old John Massey," said David. "Well, I must be
off. And we'll come again soon, if we may."

CHAPTER XVI

SUZANNA AIDS CUPID

"Mother dear," asked Suzanna one