The woman's trembling fingers began to smooth his hair. "They've dressed you wrong," she said. "I don't like this suit. They should have put on your velvet suit and the Eton collar. We will tell them you must have that on, and we'll go riding in the park. Would you like to ride in the park with mother? Would you like to have a pony? My baby! My little Walter! You have been away so long. Now you will never go away again. You will stay with me always. Unless something happens. So much has happened."
Her words seemed to bring some thought to her; her gaze wandered uncertainly.
"If something happens—" she repeated.
Her grasp slackened, and he drew himself away, held only by one hand.
"I sent the nurse away. They don't know I'm so clever. Can you write, Walter?"
"Yes'm."
"Names? Can you write names?"
"I can write down the letters."
"Go over to the dresser. Open the top drawer. Do you find some cards there? Men's
