human
Then may I count on you to plead my cause with Mrs. Temperley?
gpt
If Hadria believes that it is for the child's good, she will not stand in the way.
human
Unless----. You remember that idea of vengeance that she used to have?
gpt
Oh, she would not let vengeance interfere with the child's welfare!
human
I hope not. You see I don't want to adopt strong measures. The law is always odious.
gpt
The law! Lady Engleton looked startled.
human
Are you sure that the law would give you the custody of the child?
gpt
Sure of the law? My dear lady, one might as well be sure of a woman--pardon me; you know that I regard this quality of infinite flexibility as one of the supreme charms of your sex. I can't say that I feel it to be the supreme charm of the law. Mrs. Temperley claims to have her authority through the mother, because she has the written consent of the aunt to the adoption, but I think this is rather stretching a point.
human
I fear it is, since the poor mother was dead at the time.
gpt
I can prove everything I have said to the satisfaction of anybody, continued Theobald,
human
I think my claim to take charge of my child is well established, and you will admit the wish is not unreasonable.
gpt
It does you great credit, but, oh dear, it will be hard for Mrs. Temperley.
human
I fear it will. I am most grieved, but what am I to do? I must consider the best interests of the child.
gpt
Doubtless, but you are a trifle late, Professor, in thinking of that.
human
Would you prefer it to be never than late?
gpt
Heaven forbid!
human
Then I may rely on you to explain the position of affairs to Mrs. Temperley? You will understand that it is a painful subject between us.
gpt
Then I have not spoken in vain, dear Hadria?
human
On the contrary, you have spoken to convince.
gpt
I knew that you would do nothing to stand in the way of the child.
human
I am very sorry about it. You were so devoted to the little girl, and it does seem terribly hard that she should be taken away from you.
gpt
It was my last chance,
human
Then I suppose you will not attempt to resist?
gpt
No,
human
He thinks of leaving Martha with you for another month.
gpt
Really? It has not struck him that perhaps I may not keep her for another month. Now that it is once established that Martha is to be regarded as under _his_ guardianship and authority, and that my jurisdiction ceases, he must take her at once. I will certainly not act for _him_ in that matter. Since you are in his confidence, would you kindly tell him that?
human
Certainly; I suppose he and his sister will look after the child.
gpt
I shall send Martha up with Hannah.
human
It will astonish him.
gpt
Does he really think I am going to act as his deputy?
human
He thought you would be glad to have Martha as long as possible.
gpt
As the child of Ellen Jervis, yes--not as his child.
human
I don't see that it matters much, myself, said Lady Engleton,
gpt
By telegram, please, because Martha will be sent to-morrow.
human
What breathless haste!
gpt
Why delay? Hannah will be there--she knows everything about her charge; and if she is only allowed to stay----
human
He told me he meant to keep her.
gpt
I am thankful for that!