On the occasion of a most interesting family event, Mr. Peedle, who desired a son, paced the drawing-room in extreme agitation, until at last the doctor appeared in the doorway.
“Oh, oh, tell me,” he gasped, “what is it—a boy or a girl?”
“Tr-tr-tr—” the physician began stammeringly.
Peedle paled.
“Triplets! Merciful providence!”
“Qu-qu-qu—” spluttered the doctor.
Peedle paled some more.
“Quadruplets!” he moaned.
“N-n-no!” the physician snapped. “Qu-qu-quite the contrary. Tr-tr-try to take it qu-quietly. It’s a girl.”