certain that she could not be mistaken in the unusually joyous
expression of his countenance.

"Good-morning, papa. But where is mamma?" she asked, glancing about
the room in search of her.

"She is not up yet, but do you sit down here in your little rocking
chair. I have something for you."

He left the room as he spoke, returning again in a moment, carrying
what Elsie thought was a strange-looking bundle.

"There! hold out your arms," he said; and placing it in them, he
gently raised one corner of the blanket, displaying to her astonished
view a tiny little face.

"A baby! Oh, the dear little thing!" she exclaimed in tones of
rapturous delight. Then looking up into his face, "Did you say I might
have it, papa? whose baby is it?"

"Ours; your mamma's and my son, and your brother," he answered, gazing
down with intense pleasure at her bright, happy face, sparkling all
over with delight.

"My little brother! my darling little brother," she murmured looking
down at it again, and venturing to press her lips gently to its soft
velvet cheek. "Oh, papa, I am so glad, so glad! I have so wanted a
little brother or sister. Is not God very good to give him to us,
papa?" And happy, grateful tears were trembling in the soft eyes as
she raised them to his face again.