Elsie bent over it too in tender motherly fashion.

“He is a dear little fellow,” she said softly.  “I congratulate you both on this good gift from our Heavenly Father, and wish for you that he may grow up into a God-fearing man, a blessing to his parents, to the Church and the world.”

“I hope he may indeed, cousin, and I want you to join your prayers to ours that we may have grace and wisdom to train him up aright, should it please the Lord to spare him to us,” said the doctor with emotion.

“I think his mother needs those prayers the most,” said Marian low and softly.  “I am but a foolish young thing; scarcely fit for so great a responsibility; but I am more glad and thankful than words can tell that the darling has a good, wise, Christian father to both train him and set him a good example.”

“It is a cause for great thankfulness,” Elsie said, “but never forget, dear girl, how very great and important is a mother’s influence; especially in the early years when the strongest and most lasting impressions are apt to be made.  No doubt you feel—­as I often have, often do—­like crying out in the midst of it all, ’Alas, who is sufficient for these things!’ but what a blessing, what a comfort is the promise, ’If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.’”

“Oh, those are comforting texts!” Marian said with a look of relief.  “I wish I were as well acquainted with the Bible as you are, cousin.”

“I know more of it now than I did at your age,” Elsie returned in a reassuring tone, “and you, as well as I, have it at hand to turn to in every perplexity; and if you do so you will find the truth of the words of the Psalmist, ’Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path.’”

“Ah, yes! an open Bible is an inestimable blessing,” said Arthur, “and my Marian and I will endeavour to make it the rule of our life, the man of our counsel.”

At that moment the babe stirred and opened its eyes.

“Ah, he is awake, the darling!” said Marian.  “Don’t you want to take him up, papa, and let Cousin Elsie have a better look at him?”

“Yes, mamma; as you know, I am very proud to exhibit my son and heir,” laughed the doctor, bending over the crib, gently lifting the babe and placing it in Elsie’s arms, smilingly outstretched to receive it.

“He is indeed a lovely little darling,” she said, gazing on it with admiring eyes, then softly pressing her lips to the velvet cheek.  “There is nothing sweeter to me than a little helpless babe.  I hope he may live to grow up if the will of God be so, and I think he is going to resemble his father,” she added with a most affectionate look up into the doctor’s face.

“If he equals his father in all respects, his mother will be fully satisfied,” Marian said with a happy little laugh.

“Ah, love is blind, dearest,” was Arthur’s smiling response.