Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 1.djvu/131

Rh gentleman. Since this was the singular case she must at least call properly. Her manner revealed an earnest effort to that end, an effort visible even in the fear of a liberty if she should refer too familiarly to Mrs. Bream. She cast about her with intensity for something that would show sympathy without freedom, and, as a result, presently produced: "I came an hour ago, and I saw Miss Armiger. She told me she would bring down the baby."

"But she didn't?"

"No, Cousin Kate thought it wouldn't do."

Tony was happily struck. "It will do—it shall do. Should you like to see her?"

"I thought I should like it very much. It's very kind of you."

Tony jumped up. "I'll show her to you myself." He went over to ring a bell; then, as he came back, he added: "I delight in showing her. I think she's the wonder of the world."

"That's what babies always seem to me," said Jean. "It's so absorbing to watch them."

These remarks were exchanged with great gravity, with stiffish pauses, while Tony hung about till his ring should be answered.