“No you can’t,” he declared, “and what’s more, you shan’t. You’ve broke the law of averages by all accounts; and that’s about the limit. And Somebody shall see that two can play at that game in the future. Providence have shut down on the boys; and I’ll shut down on the girls. It ain’t going to be all one way.” Mrs. Dolbear shed tears, but she shared his indignation and did not blame his attitude to the baby. Mrs. Damerell was shocked. “I wouldn’t open my mouth so wide if I was you, farmer,” she answered. “Who are you to dictate what you want? Here’s a fine female child come into the world, to be your right hand and the joy of your life for all you know to the contrary. I’m sure I never yet saw a pair receive a child in such a way, since the day that Honor Michelmore got one with no thumbs and cussed God. But in your case, Nature have always done her part to the full, and you’re saying things you didn’t ought, Mr. Dolbear.” “If you’re so pleased with it, you’d better take it home with you,” he answered. “It never can be no favourite of mine now, and I won’t pretend different.” Beneath Lydia was seeking to allay the disappointment of the family. “I shouldn’t wonder if she was the nicest little sister any of you ever had, my dears. A proper little fairy very likely, and the one you’ll all like best.” They vowed it never could be and Milly said: “Father hates her a’ready, so I be going to do the same.” Then Mrs. Trivett preached very seriously against this inhuman spirit and was still preaching when there came Philander Knox. “I thought the better the day the better the deed,” he explained, “and I hoped your young people would be going to church after their tea, so I might have a yarn with you.” “Very kind of you, I’m sure. Perhaps you’ll be able to distract my brother’s mind a thought. He’s very much under the weather. And I dare say it would be a good thing if a few of you was to go to church.” Milly, who loved church, but did not often attend evening service, was pleased at this plan and she took her younger sisters with her. Tom came down, smoked a pipe and grew calmer in the company of Mr. Knox; Lydia put the other children to bed—for the present the penultimate baby was in her room—and then Philander’s opportunity arrived, and after Mr. Dolbear had gone up the village, he enjoyed Lydia’s society for half an hour before interruption came. She told him what had happened to Medora and he wondered, while he discussed the tragedy, whether it might not, after all, help rather than hinder his own designs.