The Heart of Rachael

Excerpt: ...been a change-I'm sure of it. Look at him!" "You ought to take better care of your wife, Greg," was Doctor Valentine's quiet almost smiling answer to this. "You'll have her sick next!" "How is he?" Rachael whispered, as the newcomer bent over the baby. There was a silence. "Well, my dear," said Doctor Valentine, as he straightened himself, "I believe this little chap has decided to remain with us a little while. Very-much-better!" Rachael tried to smile, but burst out crying instead, and clung to her husband's shoulder. "Let him have his sleep out, Miss Snow," said the doctor, "and then sponge him off and try him with food!" "Oh-yes-yes-yes!" the baby's mother said eagerly, drying her eyes. "And you'll be back later, George?" "Not unless you telephone me, and I don't think you'll have to," George Valentine said. Rachael's face grew radiant with joy. "Oh, George, then he is better!" She was breathing like a runner. "Better! I think he'll be himself to-morrow. Console yourself, my dear Rachael, with the thought that you'll go through this a hundred times with every one of your children!" "Oh, what a world!" Rachael said, half laughing and half sighing. But later she said to Warren, "Yet isn't it deliciously worth while!" He had persuaded her to have some supper, and then they had come back to the nursery, to see if the baby really would eat. He had awakened, and had had his bath, and was crying again, but, as Rachael eagerly said, it was a healthy cry. Trembling and smiling, she took the little creature in her arms, and when the busy little lips found her breast, Rachael felt as if she could hardly bear the exquisite incoming rush of joy again. Warren, watching her, smiled in deep satisfaction, and Miss Snow smiled, too. But before she gave herself up to the luxury of possession the mother's tears fell hot on the baby's delicate gown and tiny face, and from that hour Rachael loved her son with the passionate and intense devotion she felt...