Sighing, Leona dropped the paper and stood up. ``I guess I better get ready to go.''

Winston watched her fumbling to untie her apron. ``Here.'' Carefully, he undid the bow. ``How come your bows is always cockeyed?''

She turned and put her arms around his neck. ``I don't want to leave here, Winston.''

``Now listen to that.'' He drew back, embarrassed and pleased. ``I thought you was sick to death of this big house. Said you wore yourself out, cleaning all these empty rooms.''

``At least there is room here,'' she said. ``What room is there going to be in an apartment for any child?''

``I told you what Miss Ada's doctor said.''

``I don't mean Miss Ada! What you think I care about that? I mean our children.'' She sounded as though they already existed.

In spite of the hundred things he had on his mind, Winston went and put his arm around her waist. ``We've got plenty of time to think about that. All the time in the world. We've only been married four years, January.''

``Four years!'' she wailed. ``That's a long time, waiting.''

``How many times have I told you'' -- he began, and was almost glad when she cut him off -- ``Too many times!'' - and flounced to the sink, where she began noisily to wash her hands.

Too many times was the truth of it, Winston thought. He hardly believed his reason himself any more. Although it had seemed a good reason, to begin with: no couple could afford to have children.