Dame Norman was so weak that the Doctor feared lest anxiety as to how her husband would bear the disappointment, might militate against her.

Therefore the Doctor sought the Squire in his study, and went resolutely at his task.
'Well, Squire, I congratulate you on the birth of your child!' Norman was of course struck with the use of the word 'child'; but the cause of his anxiety was manifested by his first question: 'How is she, Doctor?
Is she safe ?' The child was after all of secondary importance! The Doctor breathed more freely; the question had lightened his task.

There was, therefore, more assurance in his voice as he answered: 'She is safely through the worst of her trouble, but I am greatly anxious yet.

She is very weak.

I fear anything that might upset her.' The Squire's voice came quick and strong: 'There must be no upset! And now tell me about my son ?' He spoke the last word half with pride, half bashfully.
'Your son is a daughter!' There was silence for so long that the Doctor began to be anxious.