But, as Mrs Yabsley crossed the room to pacify it, the women called for the baby to be brought out.

When Mrs Yabsley appeared with the infant in her arms, she was greeted with yells of admiration.

Ada turned crimson with embarrassment.

The women passed it from hand to hand, nursing it for a few minutes with little cries of emotion.
But suddenly Jonah walked up to Mrs Swadling and took his child in his arms.

And he stood before the crowd, his eyes glittering with pride as he exhibited his own flesh and blood, the son whose shapely back and limbs proved that only an accident separated the hunchback from his fellows.