Ruth drew herself up haughtily.

“You dare to ask about your son after Steve? How clumsy that sounds! I mean you dare to put Steve before your son. I believe you’ve only just realized that you have a son.”

“I’ve only just realized there’s anybody or anything in the world except my wife.”

“Well, after that I suppose I’ve got to forgive you. Since you have asked after Bill at last, I may tell you that he’s very well indeed.”

Kirk’s eyes glowed.

“He ought to be a great kid by now.”

“He is.”

“And Mamie? Have you still got her?”

“I wouldn’t lose her for a million.”

“And Whiskers?”