The Law of the Land by Fred M. White

Dick Charteris stood smiling at the child, trying to make up his mind what to say. The surprise was so complete that he could only look down at the little one with a feeling of helplessness, which was by no means a failing of his. It was almost incredible that a man like Clarkson should have a child like this. Clarkson had not seemed the kind of man to waste his time or his sympathy in domestic joys, but here was striking proof to the contrary, and, moreover, the little one spoke as if her father was someone to be proud of.

"Perhaps I had better speak to your mother," Dick said. "Will you go and tell her that Mr. Charteris is here?"