human
Did she confess everything to her aunt after her return from Portsmouth?
gpt
Yes; I have that letter now.
human
In which your name is mentioned?
gpt
In which my name is mentioned. I sent money to the girl, but she returned it. She said that she hated me, and would not touch it. So I gave the money to the aunt, and told her to send it on, in her own name, to Ellen, for the child's support. Of course I made secrecy a condition. So as a matter of fact, I have acknowledged the child, though not publicly, and I have contributed to its support from its birth.
human
But I thought Mrs. Temperley had been supporting it!
gpt
Nevertheless I have continued to send the money to the aunt. If Mrs. Temperley chose to take charge of the child, I certainly had nothing to complain of. And I could not openly contribute without declaring myself.
human
Dear me, it is all very strange! What would Hadria say if she knew?
gpt
She does know.
human
What, all along?
gpt
No, since yesterday.
human
And how does she take it?
gpt
She is bitter against me. It is only natural, especially as I told her that I wanted to have the child under my own care.
human
Ah, that will be a blow to her. She was wrapped up in the little girl.