ls--they want cutting already. Ah, yes, mother
knew father would like to do it himself, so she did."

And he hurried to Kyllikki's work-basket, and took out a small pair of
scissors. "Father'll manage it--come!"

And he fell on his knees beside the bed.

"Don't be afraid--softly, softly--there! Father's hands are none
so hard, for all he's so big." He cut the nails, kissing the little
fingers in between. The boy laughed. Kyllikki leaned over towards
them, smiling more warmly still.

"There--now it's done! Look at him, Kyllikki! Isn't he splendid?" And
he turned towards her. "But what--what am I thinking of all the time!
Kyllikki, I haven't even kissed you yet. Welcome, dear, welcome a
thousand times!"

He took her in his arms. "How well you look--and lovely! Why, you
look younger than ever! Little mother--how shall I ever thank you
for--this!"

"It was your gift to me," said Kyllikki softly, with a tender glance
at the little bed.

Olof led her to a seat, and they talked together in the silent speech
of the eyes that is for great moments only.

* * * * *

"Why...!" Olof sprang up suddenly. "I'm forgetting everything to-day.
Here I've made coffee all ready, and now...."

He lifted the coffee-pot and set it on the tray.

"Did you make the coffee?" asked Kyllikki, smiling in wonder.

"And who else should do it on such a day? Here!"

And they sat down to table, without a word.

* * * * *

Presently the child began to whimper. Both rose to their feet.

"What's the matter, then--did it hurt?" said Kyllikki tenderly. She
lifted the little one in her arms, and began talking to him with her
eyes, and smiling, with delicious little movements of her head.

The child began to laugh.

Without a word, she laid him in Olof's arms. He thanked her with a
look, and held the boy close to his breast. All else seemed to have
vanished but this one thing. And he felt the warmth of the little body
gradually spreading through clothes and wrappings to his own ... it
was like a gentle, soft caress. It thrilled him--and the arms that
held the little burden trembled; he could not speak, but handed it
back in silence to the mother.

She laid it in the cradle, set the pillow aright, and pulled up the
coverlet, leaving only a little face showing above.

"It is a great trust, to be given such a little life to care for,"
said Olof, with a quiver in his voice, as they