nothing to agitate him."

Nurse promised, but the tears came so fast, and sobs with them, as
she approached her master's room, that Flora saw no composure could
be expected from her; and taking the infant from her, carried it in,
leaving the door open for her to follow when wanted. Ethel stood by
listening. There was silence at first, then some sounds from the
baby, and her father's voice soothing it, in his wonted caressing
phrases and tones, so familiar that they seemed to break the spell,
drive away her vague terrors, and restore her father. Her heart
bounded, and a sudden impulse carried her to the bedside, at once
forgetting all dread of seeing him, and chance of doing him harm.
He lay, holding the babe close to him, and his face was not altered,
so that there was nothing in the sight to impress her with the need
of caution, and, to the consternation of the anxious Flora, she
exclaimed, abruptly and vehemently, "Papa! should not she be
christened?"

Dr. May looked up at Ethel, then at the infant; "Yes," he said, "at
once." Then added feebly and languidly, "Some one must see to it."

There was a pause, while Flora looked reproachfully at her sister,
and Ethel became conscious of her imprudence, but in a few moments
Dr. May spoke again, first to the baby, and then asking, "Is Richard
here?"

"Yes, papa."

"Send him up presently. Where's nurse?"