Rose was holding the babe.
Violet looked up, started to her feet with a cry of joy, and in an instant was in her husband's arms, weeping for very gladness.
For several moments they were conscious of nothing but the joy of the reunion; then with a sudden recollection she withdrew herself from his arms, took her babe, and laid it in them.
"Another darling," he said gazing tenderly upon it, "another dear little daughter! My love, how rich we are!" He kissed it, gave it to the waiting nurse, and turned to his wife again.
"Let me help you to the sofa, love," he said.
"Lie down for a little.

I fear this excitement will exhaust and injure you." She let him have his way.

He sat down by her side, held her hand, and bent over her in loving anxiety.
"Are you quite well ?" he asked.
"Very well indeed," she said, looking up fondly into his face, "and, oh, _so_ happy now that you are here, my dear, dear husband!" Gracie crept to his side and leaned lovingly against him.
"My little darling," he said, putting his arm round her and turning to give her a kiss.

"But where are Max and Lulu ?" "Up in the boys' work-room, papa," she answered.

"They don't know you've come." "Then I must enlighten their ignorance," he said gayly.