"The woman my son's lodging with."
Mrs. Caspar held up her work to inspect it.
"She is a little funny in her manner," she replied, and began to pride herself on her skill in evading the enemy without telling a downright lie. "She's a fine cook, I believe."
"She's a fine woman," said Mr. Caspar.
The beautiful creature tossed her head as though he was suggesting something improper, which no doubt he was.
Mr. Caspar chuckled without shame or mercy; but as he walked back to the house his mood changed.
"Well," he said gravely, "I congratulate you, Trupp. Children may be the greatest blessing in a man's life."
Back in the consulting-room he was still very quiet. All the teasing laughter was gone from him. The mischievous boy, the trampling conqueror, had disappeared. Their place had been taken by a sad and even pathetic man.
"What is it?" asked Mr. Trupp, as his visitor sank back in the big chair.
"I'm sick as herrings," replied the other.