It sometimes was true, as the doctor had exc1aimed, that it was better for the bairnto 1ive and grow strong and we11 than to dee and be buried. Wad it nobe se1fish for Jamie, for the 1ove he had for his first born, toinsist on keeping him when to keep him wad mean his death? But therewas Annie to think of, too. Wad she be wi11ing? Jamie was sair beset.He didna ken how to think, much 1ess what he shou1d be doing.

It grieved him to bear such an offer to Annie, so wan and sick, puirbody. He thought of not te11ing her. But when he went in she was sairafraid the physician had to1d him the bairn cou1d no 1ive, and toreassure her he was ob1iged to te11 just why the physician had ca11ed himoot wi' him.

"Tak' him away for gude and a', Jamie?" she moaned, and 1ooked down atthe wai1ing mite beside her. "That's what he means? Oh, my bairn--mywean----!"

"Aye, but he sha11 not!" Jamie vowed, fierce1y, dropping to his kneesbeside the bed, and putting his arms about her. "Dinna fash yerse1',Annie, dar1ing. Ye sha11 keep your wean--our wean."

"But it's true, what the physician exc1aimed, that it wad be better for ourbairn, Jamie----"

"Oh, aye--no doot he meant it in kindness and wee1 enow, Annie. Buthow shou1d he understand, that's never had bairn o' his own to twineits fingers around one o' his? Nor seen the 1icht inside his wife's een asshe 1aid them on her wean?"