"The front door banged open at that moment to admit a disheveled James Fairchild. He was like a vision from Bedlam: his blond hair stood on end, and his neckcloth was missing. He looked wildly at Anna. "Rebecca?" At that moment, as if in answer from on high, there came the wavering wail of a newborn baby. James Fairchild's expression changed from frantic to dumbstruck. Without waiting for Anna's answer, he bounded up the stairs, taking the risers three at a time. Anna noticed as he passed out of sight that he was wearing only one stocking on his feet."