AMERICAN. I think you are very likely right, colonel. It might be a pity to unbind that baby. I guess the lady should be consulted in this matter.
ENGLISHWOMAN. Yes, yes, of course——!
ENGLISHMAN. [Touching her] Let it be! Little beggar seems all right.
AMERICAN. That would seem only known to Providence at this moment. I judge it might be due to humanity to look at its face.
LITTLE MAN. [Gladly] It's sucking my' finger. There, there—nice little thing—there!
AMERICAN. I would surmise in your leisure moments you have created babies, sir?
LITTLE MAN. Oh! no—indeed, no.
AMERICAN. Dear me!—That is a loss. [Addressing himself to the carriage at large] I think we may esteem ourselves fortunate to have this little stranger right here with us. Demonstrates what a hold the little and weak have upon us nowadays. The colonel here—a man of blood and iron—there he sits quite calm next door to it. [He sniffs] Now, this baby is rather chastening—that is a sign of grace, in the colonel—that is true heroism.
LITTLE MAN. [Faintly] I—I can see its face a little now.
[All bend forward.]