"Have you kissed her?"
"No, she never looked at me—only at the baby, of course."
"Then go and kiss her."
Nance went off obediently, and the sisters walked a while together. Presently the baby took the red thumb out of his mouth, and through the orifice thus created issued a bellow. The nurse came running. Nance took him in her arms, replaced the thumb, and all was well. Then she handed him back to the Hempie and kissed her as she did so. The Hempie raised her head into position naturally, like one well accustomed to the operation.
Nance came slowly back and rejoined me. She was unusually thoughtful.
"Well?" I said.
She nodded gravely and shook her head.
"It is true," she murmured, as if convinced against her will; "there is something. She is different."
"Nance," said I, triumphantly, for I was pleased with myself, "the Hempie is in love at last. You must find out all about it and tell me."
She looked at me scornfully.