The baby was in its cradle and asleep, and however homely might be the cottage surroundings, no one could say that it had suffered from neglect or privation. It lay among dainty coverings of cambric and lace, like some infant princess, or a sacred image before which a perpetual oblation of praise and incense is offered up. It was impossible that Steele should recognize his child, seeing that its life had been measured only by days when he last saw it, but he _thought_ he recognized it, and no one would dispute his right to do so. He also observed a strong resemblance in it to its deceased mother, which confirmed his faith in its identity, if that were possible. Yet, when one recalls that only a few weeks before Mrs. Sangster had seen with equal clearness its strong family likeness to Tibbie Tirpie, one may doubt if the likeness test is of much consequence. The clothing in which it had been wrapped up when found was produced. It consisted entirely of Indian fabrics. Even Steele could tell that much, but not having the feminine eye for embroideries and tissues, he could not identify any of the articles. He was able to recognize his wife's cipher, however, embroidered on a handkerchief, so that all possibility of doubt was at an end. He thanked Eppie profusely, and handed her his purse as some instalment of the debt he owed her. 'Na na, sir!' she said, 'Miss Brown pays me weel, an' it's her ye're awin' yer thanks til, for the care o' yer bairn, for she cudna hae ta'en mair tent on't gin it had been her ain. I'm misdoubtin' but she'll be wae to ken it's to be ta'en frae her. An', oh sir! gin ye hae nae body partic'lar to mind it for ye, will ye tak _me_ for its nurse? It wad be a sair heartbreak to me to be parted frae the wee dawtie, an', I'm thinkin', she wad miss me hersel'!' Steele felt a twinge of jealousy already. To think that any one should have a nearer place than himself in his child's regard; but he consented, and with thanks, that his daughter should remain for the present where she was, till he had time to consider of her future disposal. After hanging over the cradle, awakening the baby and making it cry with his awkward endearments, he was at last persuaded to hand back the new and incomprehensible possession to Eppie to be soothed and comforted, and then after lingering and talking, and repetition manifold, Kenneth was able to get him away and to carry him home.