"
"I am, my dear father, for Edward insists on it, and watches over me, and
baby too, as if really afraid we might somehow slip away from him."
"He is quite right. There, you must not stand, recline in your chair
again, while I help myself to a seat by your side. How are you to-day?"
"I think I never felt better in my life, papa; so strong and well that it
seems absurd to be taking such care of myself."
"Not at all; you must do it. You seem to be alone with your babe. I hope
you never lift her?"
"No, sir, not yet. That I shall not has been my husband's second order.
Mammy is within easy call, just in the next room, and will come the
instant she is wanted."
"Let me look at her; unless you think it will disturb her rest."
"Oh, no, sir." And the young mother gently drew aside the curtain of the
crib.
The two bent over the sleeping babe, listening to its gentle breathing.
"Ah, papa, I feel so rich! you don't know how I love her!" whispered
Elsie.
"Don't I, my daughter? don't I know how I love you?" And his eyes turned
with yearning affection upon her face, then back to that of the little
one. "Six weeks old to-day, and a very cherub for beauty. Aunt Chloe tells
me she is precisely my daughter over again, and I feel as if I had now an
opportunity to recover what I lost in not having my first-born with me
from her birth.
Pages:
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210