It had been suggested, some weeks since, before the baby was born, that an effort should be made to induce Mrs.Bolton to act as godmother.

And, since that, among the names of many other relatives and friends, those of uncle Babington and Robert Bolton had been proposed.
Hester had been particularly anxious that her brother should be asked, because,--as she so often said to her husband,--he had always been her firm friend in the matter of her marriage.

But now, when the question was to be settled, John Caldigate shook his head.
'I was afraid there was something even before baby was born,' said the wife.
'There is something, my pet.' 'What is it, John?
You do not mean to keep it secret from me ?' 'I have not the slightest objection to your asking him to stand;--but I think it possible that he may refuse.' 'Why should he refuse ?' 'Because, as you say, there is something wrong between us.

There have been applications for money about the Polyeuka mine.

I would not trouble you about it while you were ill.' 'Does he think you ought to give back the money ?' 'No,--not that.