German.  ‘Nein, nein, nein’!

American.  I think you are very likely right, colonel.  It might be a pity to unbind that baby.  I guess the lady should be consulted in this matter.

ENGLISHWOMAN.  Yes, yes, of course——!

Englishman. [Touching her] Let it be!  Little beggar seems all right.

American.  That would seem only known to Providence at this moment. 
I judge it might be due to humanity to look at its face.

Little man. [Gladly] It’s sucking my’ finger.  There, there—­nice little thing—­there!

American.  I would surmise in your leisure moments you have created babies, sir?

Little man.  Oh! no—­indeed, no.

American.  Dear me!—­That is a loss. [Addressing himself to the carriage at large] I think we may esteem ourselves fortunate to have this little stranger right here with us.  Demonstrates what a hold the little and weak have upon us nowadays.  The colonel here—­a man of blood and iron—­there he sits quite calm next door to it. [He sniffs] Now, this baby is rather chastening—­that is a sign of grace, in the colonel—­that is true heroism.

Little man. [Faintly] I—­I can see its face a little now.

     [All bend forward.]

American.  What sort of a physiognomy has it, anyway?

Little man. [Still faintly] I don’t see anything but—­but spots.

German.  Oh!  Ha!  Pfui!

     [The Dutch Youth laughs.]

American.  I am told that is not uncommon amongst babies.  Perhaps we could have you inform us, ma’am.

ENGLISHWOMAN.  Yes, of course—­only what sort of——­

Little man.  They seem all over its——­[At the slight recoil of everyone] I feel sure it’s—­it’s quite a good baby underneath.

American.  That will be rather difficult to come at.  I’m just a bit sensitive.  I’ve very little use for affections of the epidermis.

German.  Pfui! [He has edged away as far as he can get, and is lighting a big cigar]

     [The Dutch Youth draws his legs back.]

American. [Also taking out a cigar] I guess it would be well to fumigate this carriage.  Does it suffer, do you think?

Little man. [Peering] Really, I don’t—­I’m not sure—­I know so little about babies.  I think it would have a nice expression—­if—­if it showed.

American.  Is it kind of boiled looking?

Little man.  Yes—­yes, it is.

American. [Looking gravely round] I judge this baby has the measles.

     [The German screws himself spasmodically against the arm of the
     ENGLISHWOMAN’S seat.]

ENGLISHWOMAN.  Poor little thing!  Shall I——?