“Oh, I am not abusing him or intending to,” said Harold, “but my patient’s welfare must always receive my first consideration.”
“Pleasant doctrine for me while I am the patient,” laughed Evelyn.
Harold was looking at the sleeping babe. “She’s a pretty bit lassie for one of her age,” he said, “and I hope one of these days to claim her as my niece.”
“So you may; I think you will suit very well for an uncle,” laughed Max; “an uncle for my child since you have ceased to be one for myself.”
“Yes, I prefer to be your brother,” was Harold’s response to that.
“Grace is much pleased with her little niece,” said Evelyn, “and with the thought of being an aunt; as Lucilla is, also.”
“Yes, and the little cousins, too,” said Grandma Elsie, coming in at that moment. “Ah, she is waking now; see, her eyes are open. Suppose you let me carry her into the dressing-room again and let them refresh their eyes with another sight of the dear little face.”
“Agreed, Grandma Elsie, if you will let me go along to witness the scene,” said Max. “I’ll carry her very carefully on a pillow.”
He did so, and laid her on Grandma Elsie’s lap, she having seated herself in a low, easy-chair. Then the children were notified and gathered about her in an eager, excited group, while the young father stood near looking on.
“I wish I might hold her in my arms for a little,” said Alie Leland.