First Part Chapter 29

M. DE L'ESTORADE TO THE BARONNE DE MACUMER
December 1825.

Madame,--It is the desire of my wife that you should not learn first
from the formal announcement of an event which has filled us with joy.
Renee has just given birth to a fine boy, whose baptism we are
postponing till your return to Chantepleurs. Renee and I both
earnestly hope that you may then come as far as La Crampade, and will
consent to act as godmother to our firstborn. In this hope, I have had
him placed on the register under the name of Armand-Louis de
l'Estorade.

Our dear Renee suffered much, but bore it with angelic patience. You,
who know her, will easily understand that the assurance of bringing
happiness to us all supported her through this trying apprenticeship
to motherhood.

Without indulging in the more or less ludicrous exaggerations to which
the novel sensation of being a father is apt to give rise, I may tell
you that little Armand is a beautiful infant, and you will have no
difficulty in believing it when I add that he has Renee's features and
eyes. So far, at least, this gives proof of intelligence.

The physician and accoucheur assure us that Renee is now quite out of
danger; and as she is proving an admirable nurse--Nature has endowed
her so generously!--my father and I are able to give free rein to our
joy.

Madame, may I be allowed to express the hope that this joy, so
vivid and intense, which has brought fresh life into our house, and
has changed the face of existence for my dear wife, may ere long be
yours? Renee has had a suite of rooms prepared, and I only wish I could make
them worthy of our guests. But the cordial friendliness of the
reception which awaits you may perhaps atone for any lack of splendor.