What deep relief and blessed peace.

She lay on her bed, now smiling, now inert, eyes closed, weak and relaxed, but already aware from time to time of the beginnings within herself of new vitality, food for her child.

Her body felt profoundly changed, and so it was with her spirit.
Again the thought rose in her mind that this had settled and sealed her life.

But she was glad of the certainty.

Slowly, as her strength returned, all the vague desires and dreams of the last few months came back, grew clear; and she planned and planned for the small boy whom the nurse kept bringing to her bed.