Up to; the very last moment I was in doubt as to whether your wife would come safely through it. I brought all my knowledge and skill to bear upon her, but even the most skilful doctor is of little avail unless Nature herself come to his aid. Besides, I was feeling very nervous. Even yet my pulse is throbbing. Curiously enough, though I have helped to bring hundreds of babies into the world, I have never yet succeeded in overcoming a certain feeling of diffidence during the opera---- But you are not listening to me, sir? ~The Father.~~ Oh yes, I am listening to you, but I cannot altogether take in what you say. Her screams still ring in my ears, and have made me dull of comprehension. Poor woman, how she suffered! In my folly and conceit I was so anxious to have a child, but now I renounce that criminal wish for ever. ~The Doctor.~~ Oh, you will soon be sending for me again, when the next baby arrives. ~The Father.~~ No, never! I am almost ashamed to say it, but I actually _hate_ this child which has put her to such pain. I have not even seen it. What is it like? ~The Doctor.~~ It is a fine, strong, healthy boy, and greatly, resembles yourself, if I mistake not. ~The Father.~~ Oh, it resembles me, does it? Well, I am pleased at that! I begin to feel a little more drawn towards the child. It had always been my desire to have a boy--and especially one which resembled myself. You have seen the child. Has it, then, a nose like mine? ~The Doctor.~~ Yes, and eyes too. ~The Father.~~ _And_ eyes? Oh, that is capital! I feel as though I ought to pay you a trifle over your fee. ~The Doctor.~~ Well, let us call it an extra honorarium for the instruments which I had to use. [_The Father of the Man turns towards the corner wherein the figure of the Being in Grey stands motionless, and utters the following prayer:_] ~The Father.~~ O Lord and Creator of Life, I thank Thee for according me my heart's desire, and granting me a son like myself. I thank Thee also for watching over my beloved wife, and enabling her to bear the child in safety. I beseech Thee that the child may grow up wise and honourable, and that he may never at any time bring sorrow upon the heads of us, his father and mother. If Thou wilt grant me this my petition, I swear that I will trust in Thee for ever, and worship Thee in Thy Holy Temple. For I feel a great love arising in me for my son.