Theo felt new tenderness for him as the days went by; tenderness not unmixed with guilt. For Doctor Ramsay had made it very clear that she could fulfill no more wifely duties for some time.

'I cannot answer for your life, madam, if you should be brought to bed with another baby before the system has re gained its full health. It shall be my painful duty to tell Mr. Alston so.'

She was shamed at the uprush of relief and joy this gave her. Oh, to be free—free—free! Protected from those painful, revolting moments in the dark when only her pity and sense of duty could sustain her. Free to show her husband the affection she truly felt for him, without the fear of kindling by her touch a passion which she loathed, and could not even remotely share.

So Theo was happy, doubly happy because this time there loomed no immediate separation from her father. He had booked passage for the middle of June, and she and the baby were to go with him. The annual epidemic of fever was getting under way in Charleston, and it was manifestly dangerous to stay there a day longer than was necessary. As for Sullivan's Island, which Joseph presented as alternative, there was fever there too. Charlotte even now was suffering from ague and chills.

'The whole of your Carolina low country is unhealthy in summer,' said Aaron, and Joseph could not deny it.

'I suppose you and the baby must go, then,' he agreed grudgingly, 'since your father has made the arrangements, but I shall not be able to join you this year. It will be a long separation.'

'I shall miss you,' she said softly, squeezing his hand. 'But I am so proud of your political interests, Joseph. It is fitting that one of the wealthiest and most consequential men in the State should have a voice in that State's government.'

'Quite so,' agreed Joseph. He had recently decided to run for the state legislature, and had embarked on his campaign with the seriousness which characterized all his actions. The final impetus had come during the weeks of Theodosia's lying-in. With the passing of the anxiety and tension, Aaron had had time for social matters in Charleston. There had been many dinners and banquets, much speechmaking. The town had exerted itself to honor the Vice-President. Joseph basked in reflected glory.