Gerald hasn't got in yet.

Supper's all ready, and I can see him coming time enough to run back.

Why, Mother! What's the matter?
You're crying!" "Am I ?" asked Mrs.Bell weakly; wiping her eyes in a dazed way.
"What are you doing to Mother, Diantha ?" demanded young Mrs.Peters.
"Bless me! I thought you and she never had any differences! I was always the black sheep, when I was at home.

Maybe that's why I left so early!" She looked very pretty and complacent, this young matron and mother of nineteen; and patted the older woman's hand affectionately, demanding, "Come--what's the trouble ?" "You might as well know now as later," said her sister.

"I have decided to leave home, that's all." "To leave home!" Mrs.Peters sat up straight and stared at her.