“Yes, my darling. I am in another way of business. And I am rather better off.”

The inexhaustible baby was instantly made to congratulate him, and to say, with appropriate action on the part of a very limp arm and a speckled fist: “Three cheers, ladies and gemplemorums. Hoo⁠—ray!”

“I am afraid, my life,” said John, “that you have become very much attached to this cottage?”

“Afraid I have, John? Of course I have.”

“The reason why I said afraid,” returned John, “is, because we must move.”

“O John!”

“Yes, my dear, we must move. We must have our headquarters in London now. In short, there’s a dwelling-house rent-free, attached to my new position, and we must occupy it.”

“That’s a gain, John.”