"Oh, mamma! I'm so glad! I love babies so dearly. Isn't she a darling?"
At this moment Mrs. Dodge came into the room. "Well, Bertie," she began, "your mamma has a pretty surprise for you. What do you think Winnie will say?"
"She'll think it's a doll, mamma. Oh, may I bring her in?"
He ran to the door, and met papa with Winnie in his arms.
Papa looked very smiling and happy as he walked to the side of the bed.
Baby had fallen asleep now, and was so quiet Bertie could hardly believe she was alive.
Winnie's eyes grew larger and larger as she gazed, until at last she gave a spring almost out of her papa's arms upon the bed.
Mamma screamed, and Mrs. Dodge came forward quickly; but papa had caught her again and held her firm.
"It's your little sister," he explained; "but you must go now and stay with Nellie, for Nancy wants the new baby to sleep."
"Let me take it a minute. Please, mamma, I wont break it. I wont, certain," pleaded the child.