Prince Andrew longed to snatch up, to squeeze, to hold to his heart, this helpless little creature, but dared not do so.

He stood over him, gazing at his head and at the little arms and legs which showed under the blanket.

He heard a rustle behind him and a shadow appeared under the curtain of the cot.

He did not look round, but still gazing at the infant's face listened to his regular breathing.

The dark shadow was Princess Mary, who had come up to the cot with noiseless steps, lifted the curtain, and dropped it again behind her.