"Eggs, Timothy?"
"Yes, sir," said Timothy, laughing again; "you have guessed it in once--eggs. But before I tell you about it"--he turned to Nansie--"how is baby?"
"Thriving beautifully, Timothy," replied Nansie.
"May I see her?" he asked.
"Wait a moment," said Nansie, and she went to the inner room, where baby was lying in her cradle. Returning, she said: "Yes, you may see her; but you must be very quiet. Do not make the least noise, and don't be surprised at what you see. My dear husband is home."
A bright light came into Timothy's face.
"I am glad," he said, "for your sake and baby's."
He stepped softly into the bedroom, accompanied by Nansie, and stood in silence for a few moments, gazing affectionately at the sleeping child.
"May I kiss her?" he said.
"Yes, Timothy, but very, very softly."