tation, sir. Poor mites, and
Flossy's not so strong in her chest. They're safe to be back by
to-night, Mr Martin. And perhaps you'd like some one to help you with
your packing, sir?'

'H'm! I'll consider it,' said Mr Martin. 'I'm--I'm not such a young man
as I was, Mrs Franklin.'

'Oh, I'm sure, sir. Well, we're none of us that, are we? I should take
you, sir, begging your pardon, to be but a very little way on the wrong
side of forty.'

Mr Martin chuckled, and then grew grave.

'On the wrong side of sixty,' he said. 'Now, now, no humbugging, I beg.'

'Well, sir, about the packing. My head is all in a muddle, it is true,
but any help that I can give'--

'What do you say to a baize door?' replied Mr Martin, rather
irrelevantly.

'I--I beg your pardon, sir?'

'And a very thick curtain inside my room door? It is true I have heard
it remarked that the wails of an infant when teething will penetrate
through any obstacles. Still, a baize door inside your nursery door, and
thick curtains inside mine would soften the disturbance--yes, would
soften it. I was going to say that I would provide them.'

'Then you will stay after all, sir?'

'Well, well, do you agree with me? do you think my plan will make matters
easier?'

'Oh, won't they just!' said Mrs Franklin, tears now brimming over in her
eyes. 'You're a good man, Mr Martin, and God will bless you, sir.'

* * * * *

'Mother,' said Flossy, when at last she got home, 'it's all right about
Dickory. We took her to the lady what cried.'

Mrs Franklin had Flossy in her arms when she made this remark. Now she
pressed her close with one arm, and with the other drew Peter to her
side.

'Tell me the whole story, my darlings,' she said.

Which they did, Mr Martin himself coming into the kitchen and listening
to them.

'Why, I know Mrs Ross,' he said suddenly. 'It's a splendid chance for
the infant, a splendid chance. Miles better than a baize door and thick
curtains. Only you won't forget that I made you the offer, Mrs
Franklin?'

'No, sir. I'm never likely to forget that.'

'It's a splendid chance,' repeated Mr Martin. 'The Rosses are wealthy,
and she's just that eccentric, generous, impulsive creature who would be
sure to take to a child brought to her so. I consider you a very clever
little girl, Flossy Franklin.'

But Peter put his head down upon the table, and began to cry, for his
heart was very sore for Dickory.

* * * * *

Howe