When may I see her ?' 'By right, not yet.

But, as knowing your views, she may fret herself till she knows, I think you had better come at once.' All Norman's love and strength combined for his task.

As he leant over and kissed his young wife there was real fervour in his voice as he said: 'Where is my dear daughter that you may place her in my arms ?' For an instant there came a chill to the mother's heart that her hopes had been so far disappointed; but then came the reaction of her joy that her husband, her baby's father, was pleased.

There was a heavenly dawn of red on her pale face as she drew her husband's head down and kissed him.
'Oh, my dear,' she said, 'I am so happy that you are pleased!' The nurse took the mother's hand gently and held it to the baby as she laid it in the father's arms.
He held the mother's hand as he kissed the baby's brow.
The Doctor touched him gently on the arm and beckoned him away.

He went with careful footsteps, looking behind as he went.
After dinner he talked with the Doctor on various matters; but presently he asked: 'I suppose, Doctor, it is no sort of rule that the first child regulates the sex of a family ?' 'No, of course not.