"Don't be silly. Now, watch..." Very slowly Maria pushed the comforter into Caroline's mouth. It acted as a sort of gag. Caroline sucked noisily, and closed her eyes. The effect was magic. The crying ceased. "You'd scarcely credit it, would you?" whispered Maria. "It's rather frightful," said Niall. "Like plugging someone with cocaine. What if it has a terrible effect on Caroline in after-life?" "I don't care," said Maria. "Not if it keeps her quiet now."