"Why, it's just a bit of embroidery...."
But Shirley was not yet satisfied, and went on to protest:—
"But what is it? Miriam, I must know...."
Miriam Challoner hesitated for an instant, then holding up in the air a tiny infant's dress, she said softly:—
"Well, if you must know, why, you must."
There was a long pause. At last, Shirley exclaimed:—
"Isn't it dainty! Who is it for, Miriam?"
Miriam raised her head and looked squarely into the eyes of her friend; the next moment Shirley had her arms about Miriam, and drawing her close to her, she cried joyfully:—
"You precious thing! I'm so glad, oh, so glad! But why didn't you say so before?"
Miriam smiled softly.