Chapter XVII

yesthathadneverbeenopened.Edwardlookedatitforaminute. “IpromisedI’dkissit,”hewhispered. Hebentdownandtouchedwithhislipsthewhiteforeheadthenursedrewthetoweloverthebody,andtheywentbacktoBertha. “Ishesleeping?”sheasked. “Yes.” “Didyoukisshim?” “Yes.” Berthasmiled.“Fancyyourkissingbabybeforeme.” ButDr.Ramsay’sdraughtwastakingitseffect,andalmostimmediatelyBerthafellintoapleasantsleep. “Let’stakeaturninthegarden,”saidDr.Ramsay.“IthinkIoughttobeherewhenshewakes.” Theairwasfresh,scentedwiththespringflowersandtheodouroftheearth.Bothmeninspireditwithreliefafterthecloseatmosphereofthesick-room.Dr.RamsayputhisarminEdward’s. “Cheerup,myboy,”hesaid.“You’veborneitallmagnificently.I’veneverseenamangothroughanightlikethisbetterthanyouanduponmyword,you’reasfreshaspaintthismorning.” “Oh,I’mallright,”saidEdward.“What’stobedoneabout—aboutthebaby?” “Ithinkshe’llbeabletobearitbetteraftershe’shadasleep.Ireallydidn’tdaresayitwasstill-born.Theshockwouldhavebeentoomuchforher.” Theywentinandwashedandate,thenwaitedforBerthatowake.Atlastthenursecalledthem. “Youpoorthings,”criedBertha,astheyenteredtheroom.“Haveyouhadnosleepatall?...Ifeelquitewellnow,andIwantmybaby.Nursesaysit’ssleepingandIcan’thaveit—butIwill.Iwantittosleepwithme,Iwanttolookatmyson.” EdwardandthenurselookedatDr.Ramsay,whoforoncewasdisconcerted. “Idon’tthinkyou’dbetterhavehimto-day,Bertha,”hesaid.“Itwouldupsetyou.” “Oh,butImusthavemybaby.Nurse,bringhimtomeatonce.” Edwardkneltdownagainbythebedsideandtookherhands.“Now,Bertha,youmusn’tbealarmed,butthebaby’snotwell,and——“ “Whatd’youmean?”Berthasuddenlysprangupinthebed. “Liedown.Liedown,”cried