Excuse me for a moment." Rilla flew upstairs, wishing quite frankly that soup tureens had never been invented.

But when Jims, at sight of her, lifted his little arms entreatingly and swallowed several sobs, with tears rolling down his cheeks, resentment went out of her heart.

After all, the poor darling was frightened.

She picked him up gently and rocked him soothingly until his sobs ceased and his eyes closed.

Then she essayed to lay him down in his crib.