"But, my dear, pardon me for saying so, I am really and truly hungry. Even a piece of dry bread would be acceptable." She kept back her tears, and quickly placed bread upon the table, which he ate ravenously at first, smiling at her gratefully the while. Very soon she had prepared some hot tea, which he drank, and begged her to drink a cup with him. His hunger being appeased, he lay back in his chair, his eyes wandering round the room. "What is our dear little one's name?" he asked; "I have forgotten it." "No, dear," said Nansie, "you have not forgotten it, because she has not one yet; we call her 'baby,' you know." "Yes, yes," he said, "'baby,' of course, the best, the sweetest that ever drew breath; but she must have a name, Nansie; she cannot go through life as 'baby.' Say that when she is a happy woman she marries, it would not do for her to be called 'baby' then." "We waited for you, Kingsley, to give her a name." "Well, then, what shall it be? But that it would introduce confusion into our little home, no better name than 'Nansie' could be found. That would not do, would it?" "No, Kingsley. Shall we give her your mother's name?" "My mother's? No, there must be none but good omens around her. _Your_ mother's, Nansie. I remember you told me it was Hester." Then he called aloud, but in a gentle voice, "Hester!" "She is awake, Kingsley," said Nansie, lifting the baby from the cradle and putting her into his arms.' "This is a great joy to me," he said; "I really think she knows me; we shall be the best of friends. There is so much that is good in the world to show her--to teach her. Now, you and I together, love, will resolve to do our duty by her, and to do all that is in our power to make her happy." CHAPTER XXVII. An hour later, when Mr. Loveday returned home, Nansie, who had been listening for his footsteps, went out to meet him. Even in the dark he, with love's keen sight, observed that something of a pleasant nature had occurred. "Good news, Nansie?" "Speak low, uncle. Yes, good news. He has come home." "Kingsley?" "Yes, uncle. He is asleep with the baby by his side. He is very, very tired." "How did it happen? How did he find you out?" "It must have been almost by chance. I was out making some little purchases, when I suddenly heard a voice behind me saying, quite naturally, 'It is Nansie!' Turning, I saw him, not clearly at first, because I was almost blind with joy. You must be very gentle with him, uncle." "I will, my dear; but there is something in your voice--gentle for any especial reason?" "Yes, for a special reason, which you will more fully discover for yourself. I am glad that I have seen you before he meets you; it will be better that you should be prepared." "Prepared for what, my dear?"