"What nonsense Alizon!" said Guy, hastily turning towards his wife. "I'm very fond of him indeed, but one gets tired of babies."
"I daresay, but not of their own children," answered Lady Errington indignantly. "You must see him, Mr. Gartney, and I'm sure you'll say you never saw such a lovely child."
She arose from her seat and left the room quickly, while Eustace looked reproachfully at Guy.
"You shouldn't talk like that," he said quietly, "I don't wonder you find things disagreeable if you sneer at the child."
"I don't sneer at the child," retorted Guy sullenly, "but I'm tired of hearing nothing but baby chatter all day long."
"Perhaps, if you were as attentive to the baby as your wife, it would be advisable."
"Nonsense! I can't be on my knees before a cradle all day, and besides Alizon won't let me come near it. One would think I was going to murder the child the way she looks at me when I lay a finger on it."
"Mr. Gartney," said Lady Errington's voice at the door. "Come upstairs with me to the nursery."
"Can't I come to Paradise also?" observed Guy wistfully as his cousin was leaving the room.
"Certainly, come if you care to," replied Alizon coldly.