"Yes, it is true," said Thora. "But will it last, think you?"
"Certainly, it will last. Last night he was reproaching himself with all sorts of things, and to-day he is like a man who is beginning over again a new life."
"You think so, Anna? You really think so?"
"Indeed I do. Depend upon it he'll not lose sight of that baby for five minutes in the day. And he'll never look at her but he'll think of you."
"How happy I am! I have never been so happy before--never, never!" She took a deep breath and closed her shining eyes to ease the beating of her heart. There was a moment's silence and then in another voice she said, "Mother?"
"Yes, dear?"
"Last night--when I was so ill--didn't I say----"
"Hush! That's all over. We'll not speak of it any more."
"All the same if I could die now--now when I am so happy--and baby, too----"
And then Anna sank into a chair, trembling from head to foot.