A daughter!

“The utmost care of both,” he hears the doctor say, “and we shall do. When does the mother come?”

“Tonight, between nine and ten, I hope.”

“I’ll stay till then. Do you want to see them?”

“Not now,” said Soames; “before you go. I’ll have dinner sent up to you.” And he went downstairs.

Relief unspeakable, and yet⁠—a daughter! It seemed to him unfair. To have taken that risk⁠—to have been through this agony⁠—and what agony!⁠—for a daughter! He stood before the blazing fire of wood logs in the hall, touching it with his toe and trying to readjust himself. “My father!” he thought. A bitter disappointment, no disguising it! One never got all one wanted in this life! And there was no other⁠—at least, if there was, it was no use!

While he was standing there, a telegram was brought him.