blessed event

Alexander Loudon, Netherlands Minister to the U.S., when asked if the blessed event was in prospect, hedged: "A royal child born on the soil of freedom-loving America would be both a blessing and a good omen."

Mr. Spenlow told me this day week was Dora's birthday, and he would be glad if I would come down and join a little picnic on the occasion. . . . I think I committed every possible absurdity in the way of preparation for this blessed event.