This was the first public intimation that the Caddles' baby, which had begun its earthly career a little under seven pounds, did after all intend to be a credit to its parents.

Very soon it was clear it meant to be not only a credit but a glory.

And within a month their glory shone so brightly as to be, in connection with people in the Caddles' position, improper.
The butcher weighed the infant eleven times.

He was a man of few words, and he soon got through with them.

The first time he said, "E's a good un;" the next time he said, "My word!" the third time he said, "_Well_, mum," and after that he simply blew enormously each time, scratched his head, and looked at his scales with an unprecedented mistrust.