In a way it seems strange that it should have been Frieda. Olive, one would have supposed to be more sympathetic, Jean and Ruth had children of their own.
But some change had been taking place in Frieda for a good many months and she adored little Vive. Whenever any of the others disputed Frieda's right, she always said quietly that after all, she was Jack's only sister, and that if anything happened she must be the one to be by her.
If Jack's husband had been with her, why then it would have been different. So Frieda even waved away her devoted Professor, who feared she might be ill, by telling him there would be time enough to think of her later on.
Although she and Jack sat side by side for many hours with their eyes on the baby, they but rarely spoke to each other.
Yet it was too pitiful to continue always to watch the movement of Vive's baby hands and her heavy breathing.
"If Vive dies do you think Frank will ever forgive me," Jack asked one night.
And true to herself Frieda tossed her yellow head.
"I don't see what Frank has to forgive? The point is will he ever forgive himself for having you go through all this alone?"
"But I ought not to have brought Vive away. Still I wouldn't mind anything if only Frank were with me."
A little later when the doctor arrived he said that the crisis would come within the hour and he would remain.