Wad it no be selfish for Jamie, for the love he had for his first born, to insist on keeping him when to keep him wad mean his death?
But there was Annie to think of, too.

Wad she be willing?
Jamie was sair beset.
He didna ken how to think, much less what he should be doing.
It grieved him to bear such an offer to Annie, so wan and sick, puir body.

He thought of not telling her.

But when he went in she was sair afraid the doctor had told him the bairn could no live, and to reassure her he was obliged to tell just why the doctor had called him oot wi' him.
"Tak' him away for gude and a', Jamie ?" she moaned, and looked down at the wailing mite beside her.

"That's what he means?
Oh, my bairn--my wean----!" "Aye, but he shall not!" Jamie vowed, fiercely, dropping to his knees beside the bed, and putting his arms about her.