human
Answer the man, Curphy,
gpt
What is it you wish to know, sir?
human
Whether, if Mary O'Neill is unable from any cause to keep control of her child (which God forbid!), her father intends to take possession of it.
gpt
Why shouldn't he? If the mother dies, for instance, her father will be the child's legal guardian.
human
But if by that time the father is dead too--what then?
gpt
Then the control of the child will--with the consent of the court--devolve upon his heir and representative.
human
Meaning this lady?
gpt
Possibly.
human
And what will she do with it?
gpt
Do with it?
human
Mr. Curphy, I'll ask you not to pretend to be unable to understand me. If and when this lady gets possession of Mary O'Neill's child, what is she going to do with it?
gpt
Very well, said the advocate, seeing I meant business,
human
Go on, sir.
gpt
Whatever the child's parentage, it was born in wedlock. Even the recent divorce proceedings have not disturbed that. Therefore we hold that the child has a right to the inheritance which in due time should come to Mary O'Neill's offspring by the terms of the settlement upon her husband.
human
So that is the law, is it?
gpt
That is the law in Ellan.
human
In the event of Mary O'Neill's death, and her father's death, her child and all its interests will come into the hands of. . . .
gpt
Of her father's heir and representative.
human
Meaning, again, this lady?
gpt
Probably.
human
I don't know, sir, she said,
gpt
They are, madam--they most certainly and assuredly are,
human
Daniel!
gpt
Be quiet, gel, said Daniel O'Neill.
human
Let the man speak. We'll see what he has come for presently. Go on, sir.