They are never prejudiced beforehand. There's never any
handicap of that sort with babies."
Betty was clamouring at her knees. She bent and lifted her also, bracing
her slight form to a double burden of which Jake instantly relieved her,
gathering both children into his own strong arms.
"You're not to do that ever again," he said, with the authority of the
man accustomed to obedience. "Understand?"
"Why not?" said Toby.
He turned to carry the two babies to the nursery. "Because I say it," he
said briefly.
"Oh, but that's no reason," said Toby, with light assurance.
Eileen at her side looked up in shocked amazement. "Not if Daddy says
so?" she questioned.
Toby stooped and swung her up to her shoulder. "You little featherweight!
Daddy's only a man!" she said.
"Quite true," said Jake deliberately. "The sort of man who means what he
says--always, and sees that he gets it."
"What a frightful undertaking!" laughed Toby. "Then if you told me to go
to blazes you'd see that I went?"
There was a pause. Eileen's little hands locked themselves nervously
under Toby's chin. Perhaps she was aware of a certain electricity in the
atmosphere. She was plainly not at her ease.
Jake's voice sounded, very quiet and distinct, from the nursery door as
he entered.
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