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 He wanted to figure out something. Could he ask about the baby now without making her think he was more interested in him than in her? He didn't want to arouse that little jealousy which on a former occasion she had certainly felt. Could he declare his intentions of remaining to see the baby? She might think he had only come to see the kid. She hadn't mentioned it at all. Was it well? How could she be so uninterested, so unexcited!

"Would you like me to get you something?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"Some ice cream?"

"I don't think they'd let me have it."

"How about some fruit?"

"No, Eddie, honest."

"Well, listen, Dot, I think I'll go down in front of the door and get a smoke. All right?"

"Sure."

"I'll be right back," he promised.

He grabbed his hat and hurried from the room.

Dot heard his quick step descending the stairs. Suddenly her eyes filled with tears. She rolled over and buried her face in the pillow. She had not expected questions. Mrs. Lensky had fallen asleep. Dot was shocked by the voice of her other roommate.

"What's the matter, honey?"

Dot faced about and pecked at her eyes with a handkerchief. "My husband don't love the baby," she sobbed.

"Has he seen it?"

"He just caught a glimpse of it last night, but it isn't that. He hates the idea of it and always has."

"Well, don't cry. Watch him fall for it when it grabs his hand and smiles at him."

Dot shook her head. "My husband isn't the soft kind," she said.

"Then just let him alone. If he doesn't love the baby,