“That we be, sir.” And she showed her white teeth in a broad smile. “La, sir, you be a sight for sore eyes. How well you do look, to be sure!” “Thank you, Mary. I never was better in my life. You look pretty well too; only a little pale; paler than Lady Bassett does.” “I give my color to the child,” said Mary, simply. She did not know she had said anything poetic; but Sir Charles was so touched and pleased with her answer that he gave her a five-pound note on the spot; and he said, “We'll bring your color back if beef and beer and kindness can do it.” “I ain't afeard o' that, sir; and I'll arn it. 'Tis a lovely boy, sir, and your very image.” Inspection followed; and something or other offended young master; he began to cackle. But this nurse did not take him away, as Mrs. Millar had. She just sat down with him and nursed him openly, with rustic composure and simplicity. Sir Charles leaned his arm on the mantel-piece, and eyed the pair; for all this was a new world of feeling to him. His paid servant seemed to him to be playing the mother to his child. Somehow it gave him a strange twinge, a sort of vicarious jealousy: he felt for his Bella. But I think his own paternal pride, in all its freshness, was hurt a little too. At last he shrugged his shoulders, and was going out of the room, with a hint to Mary that she must wrap herself up, for it would be an open carriage-- “Your own carriage, sir, and horses?” “Certainly.” “And do all the folk know as we are coming?” Sir Charles laughed. “Most likely. Gossip is not dead at Huntercombe, I dare say.” Nurse's black eyes flashed. “All the village will be out. I hope _he_ will see us ride in, the black-hearted villain!” Sir Charles was too proud to let her draw him into that topic; he went about his business. Lady Bassett's carriage, duly packed, came round, and Lady Bassett was ready soon afterward; so was Mrs. Millar; so was baby, imbedded now in a nest of lawn and lace and white fur. They had to wait for nurse. Lady Bassett explained _sotto voce_ to her husband, “Just at the last moment she was seized with a desire to wear a silk gown I gave her. I argued with her, but she only pouted. I was afraid for baby. It is very hard upon _you,_ dear.” Her face and voice were so piteous that Sir Charles burst out laughing. “We must take the bitter along with the sweet. Don't you think the sweet rather predominates at present?” Lady Bassett explored his face with all her eyes. “My darling is happy now; trifles cannot put him out.” “I doubt if anything could shake me while I have you and our child. As for that jade keeping us all waiting while she dons silk attire, it is simply delicious. I wish Rolfe was here, that is all. Ha! ha! ha!”