"But I can't!" cried Zoie, and she clung to her friend as to her last

remaining hope.

"Then," answered Aggie, somewhat mollified by Zoie's complete

submission. "THIS is the only way. The President of the Children's Home

is a great friend of Jimmy's," she said proudly.

It was at this point that Zoie made her first practical suggestion.

"Then we'll LET JIMMY GET IT," she declared.

"Of course," agreed Aggie enthusiastically, as though they would be

according the poor soul a rare privilege. "Jimmy gives a hundred

dollars to the Home every Christmas,"--additional proof why he should be

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selected for this very important office.

"Good Heavens!" exclaimed Zoie with shocked surprise. "If Alfred were to

give a hundred dollars to a Baby's Home, I should suspect him."

"Don't be silly!" snapped Aggie curtly. In spite of her firm faith in

Jimmy's innocence, she was undoubtedly annoyed by Zoie's unpleasant

suggestion.

There was an instant's pause, then putting disagreeable thoughts from

her mind, Aggie turned to Zoie with renewed enthusiasm.

"We must get down to business," she said, "we'll begin on the baby's

outfit at once."

"Its what?" queried Zoie.

"Its clothes," explained Aggie.

"Oh, what fun!" exclaimed Zoie, and she clapped her hands merrily like a

very small child. A moment later she stopped with sudden misgiving.

"But, Aggie," she said fearfully, "suppose Alfred shouldn't come back

after I've got the baby? I'd be a widow with a child."

"Oh, he's sure to come back!" answered Aggie, with a confident air.

"He'll take the first train, home."

"I believe he will," assented Zoie joyfully. All her clouds were again

dispelled. "Aggie," she cried impulsively, "you are a darling. You have

just saved my life." And she clasped her arms so tightly around Aggie's

neck that her friend was in danger of being suffocated.

Releasing herself Aggie continued with a ruffled collar and raised

vanity: "You can write him an insinuating letter now and then, just to

lead up to the good news gradually."

Zoie tipped her small head to one side and studied her friend

thoughtfully. "Do you know, Aggie," she said, with frank admiration, "I

believe you are a better liar than I am."

"I'm NOT a liar," objected Aggie vehemently, "at least, not often," she

corrected. "I've never lied to Jimmy in all my life." She drew herself

up with conscious pride. "And Jimmy has NEVER LIED TO ME."




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