"She," the angel breathed, distracted for a moment. Ellie's daughter. The concept threw him for a moment - he couldn't help picture what could have been, what might be still, and there was a strong, paternal urge that followed, to help them both, overwhelming him for a moment.

"My dear," Aziraphale croaked, and touched her arm comfortingly, "why on earth didn't you say something before? Are you quite all right?"