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; throws a vurry tender and beautiful light on human nature. 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 ca'm next door to it. [He sniffs.] Now, this baby is ruther 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.]
American. What sort of a physiognomy has it, anyway?
Little Man [still faintly]. I don't see anything but—but spots.
German. Oh! Ha! Pfui! [The Dutch Youth laughs.]
American. I am told that is not uncommon amongst babies. Perhaps we could have you inform us, ma'am.
Englishwoman. Yes, of course—only—what sort of—
Little Man. They seem all over its—[At the slight recoil of everyone.] I feel sure it's—it's quite a good baby underneath.
American. That will be ruther difficult to come at. I'm just a bit sensitive. I've vurry little use for affections of the epidermis.
German. Pfui! [He has edged away as far as he can get, and is lighting a big cigar. The Dutch Youth draws his legs back.]