He had been so dear to her, his visits had been such a joy, and although behind his tenderness vaguely she had sensed some change, some new excitement in his mind, in her own absorption in their boy she had attributed it to that.

But early one evening he came in with a sheaf of roses in his arms, and when she had exclaimed at them and breathed deep of their dewy fragrance, Joe bent over and kissed her, and said a little huskily: "I've got some big news for you, little wife.

It's big.

It's going to mean so much." "What is it, Joe ?" She stared up intently into his eyes.

He was telling her he had made money.