'Splendid!--I never saw a finer child in my life. She will be a comfort
and an honour to you!' The Squire spoke again:

'What does her mother think? I suppose she's very proud of her?'

'She does not know yet that it is a girl. I thought it better not to let
her know till I had told you.'

'Why?'

'Because--because--Norman, old friend, you know why! Because you had set
your heart on a son; and I know how it would grieve that sweet young wife
and mother to feel your disappointment. I want your lips to be the first
to tell her; so that on may assure her of your happiness in that a
daughter has been born to you.'

The Squire put out his great hand and laid it on the other's shoulder.
There was almost a break in his voice as he said:

'Thank you, my old friend, my true friend, for your thought. 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. Otherwise how should we see boys and girls mixed in
one family, as is nearly always the case. But, my friend,' he went on,
'you must not build hopes so far away. I have to tell you that your wife
is far from strong. Even now she is not so well as I could wish, and
there yet may be change.' The Squire leaped impetuously to his feet as
he spoke quickly:

'Then why are we waiting here? Can nothing be done? Let us have the
best