"Like another, perhaps?" She detected the scorn in his voice.
"If—if you wanted it, Joe. A little son this time."
He caught hold of her, speaking vehemently, crushing her to him, as if to remind her how nearly she had slipped from his keeping.
"Now look here, Susie, I ain't going to have another."
She laughed faintly, as she replied:
"It isn't you who will have it. Mother says she wishes that the men could take turn and turn about."
"Ho! Said that, did she? You tell her from me that I suffered quite enough with my first. Enough to last me all my life, and yours, too!"
Susan shook with laughter.
"Oh, Joe, you are a darling!"
"Silly name to call me! Red-headed and freckled! But no more nonsense about little sons. When my daughter marries, her husband can take my name. See?"