Part 23 (2/2)

”Funny?” snorted Jimmy. ”With a baby on my lap and the wash lady's daughter, I won't be funny, oh no!”

It is doubtful whether Jimmy would not have worked himself into another state of open rebellion had not Aggie put an end to his protests by thrusting him firmly out of the room and closing the door behind him.

After this act of heroic decision on her part, the two women listened intently, fearing that he might return; but presently they heard the bang of the outer door, and at last they drew a long breath of relief.

For the first time since Alfred's arrival, Aggie was preparing to sink into a chair, when she was startled by a sharp exclamation from Zoie.

”Good heavens,” cried Zoie, ”I forgot to ask Maggie.”

”Ask her what?” questioned Aggie.

”Boys or girls,” said Zoie, with a solemn look toward the door through which Jimmy had just disappeared.

”Well,” decided Aggie, after a moment's reflection, ”it's too late now.

Anyway,” she concluded philosophically, ”we couldn't CHANGE it.”

CHAPTER XX

With more or less damage to himself consequent on his excitement, Alfred completed his shaving and hastened to return to his wife and the babe.

Finding the supposedly ill Zoie careering about the centre of the room expostulating with Aggie, the young man stopped dumbfounded on the threshold.

”Zoie,” he cried in astonishment. ”What are you doing out of bed?”

For an instant the startled Zoie gazed at him stupefied.

”Why, I--I----” Her eyes sought Aggie's for a suggestion; there was no answer there. It was not until her gaze fell upon the cradle that she was seized by the desired inspiration.

”I just got up to see baby,” she faltered, then putting one hand giddily to her head, she pretended to sway.

In an instant Alfred's arms were about her. He bore her quickly to the bed. ”You stay here, my darling,” he said tenderly. ”I'll bring baby to you,” and after a solicitous caress he turned toward baby's crib and bent fondly over the little one. ”Ah, there's father's man,” he said.

”Was he lonesome baby? Oh, goodis g'acious,” then followed an incoherent muttering of baby talk, as he bore the youngster toward Zoie's bed.

”Come, my precious,” he called to Zoie, as he sank down on the edge of the bed. ”See mother's boy.”

”Mother!” shrieked Zoie in horror. It had suddenly dawned upon her that this was the name by which Alfred would no doubt call her for the rest of her life. She almost detested him.

But Alfred did not see the look of disgust on Zoie's face. He was wholly absorbed by baby.

”What a funny face,” he cooed as he pinched the youngster's cheek.

”Great Scott, what a grip,” he cried as the infant's fingers closed around his own. ”Will you look at the size of those hands,” he exclaimed.

Zoie and Aggie exchanged worried glances; the baby had no doubt inherited his large hands from his mother.

”Say, Aggie,” called Alfred, ”what are all of these little specks on baby's forehead?” He pointed toward the infant's brow. ”One, two, three,” he counted.

Zoie was becoming more and more uncomfortable at the close proximity of the little stranger.

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