Once he spoke of him as his first grandchild.

"You forget Elsie, father," said Horace, putting his arm round his
little girl, who happened to be standing by his side, and giving her a
tender, loving look.

He greatly feared that the marked difference his father made between
the two would wound Elsie's sensitive spirit, and perhaps even arouse
a feeling of jealousy towards her little brother; therefore, when his
father was present, he was even more than usually affectionate in his
manner towards her, if that were possible.

But Elsie had no feeling of the kind; she had long ceased to expect
any manifestation of affection from her grandfather towards herself,
but was very glad indeed that he could love her dear little brother.

"Ah, yes! to be sure, I did forget Elsie," replied the old gentleman
carelessly; "she is the first grandchild of course; but this fellow is
the first grandson, and quite proud of him I am. He is a pretty boy,
and is going to be the very image of his father."

"I hope he will, father," said Rose, looking proudly at her husband.
And then she added, with an affectionate glance at Elsie: "If he is
only as good and obedient as his sister, I shall be quite satisfied
with him. We could not ask a better child than our dear little
daughter, nor love one more than we do her; she is a great comfort and
blessing to us both."

The color mounted to Elsie's cheek, and her eyes beamed with pleasure.