"That sob which I
heard to-night is still ringing in my ears, and I know it was the sob
of a heart-broken mother."
CHAPTER II
GIVING AND RECEIVING
The baby awoke bright and early the next morning, in fact too early for
Mr. and Mrs. Royal. The former, especially, enjoyed the hour from six
to seven, when, as he once said, he obtained his "beauty sleep." But
the little stranger of the night was no respecter of persons. He
lifted up his voice at the unnatural hour of five, and by means of a
series of gurgles, whoops, and complaints, drove all sleep from drowsy
eyes. He was not in the least abashed in the presence of strangers,
but standing in his crib, he rattled the side, and yelled shouts of
baby defiance at the other occupants of the room.
"I didn't know that he could stand alone," the parson remarked as he
first saw Rodney scramble to his feet. "How old do you suppose he is?"
"About fourteen months, I should judge, Daniel," his wife replied. "He
may be older, though. One can't always tell."
"He's a stirring lad, anyway, Martha, and we shall have our hands full.
Won't you need some help, dear? How would it do to get a woman in
occasionally to assist with the work, as the baby will take so much of
your time?"
"That will not be necessary, Daniel.
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