The Man | Page 7

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 help, the best advice in the world.' The Doctor raised his hand.
'Nothing can be done as yet. I have only fear.'
'Then let us be ready in case your fears should be justified! Who are the
best men in London to help in such a case?' The Doctor mentioned two
names; and within a few minutes a mounted messenger was galloping
to Norcester, the nearest telegraph centre. The messenger was to
arrange for a special train if necessary. Shortly afterwards the Doctor
went again to see his patient. After a long absence he came back, pale
and agitated. Norman felt his heart sink when he saw him; a groan
broke from him as the Doctor spoke:
'She is much worse! I am in great fear that she may pass away before
the morning!' The Squire's strong voice was clouded, with a hoarse veil
as he asked:
'May I see her?'
'Not yet; at present she is sleeping. She may wake strengthened; in
which case you may see her. But if not--'
'If not?'--the voice was not like his own.
'Then I shall send for you at once!' The Doctor returned to his vigil.
The Squire, left alone, sank on his knees, his face in his hands; his great
shoulders shook with the intensity of his grief.

An hour or more passed before he heard hurried steps. He sprang to the
door:
'Well?'
'You had better come now.'
'Is she better?'
'Alas! no. I fear her minutes are numbered. School yourself, my dear
old friend! God will help you in this bitter hour. All you can do now is
to make her last moments happy.'
'I know! I know!' he answered in a voice so calm that his companion
wondered.
When they came into the room Margaret was dozing. When her eyes
opened and she found her husband beside her bed there spread over her
face a glad look; which, alas! soon changed to one of pain. She
motioned to him to bend down. He knelt and put