"
"Yes; but if you're careful she may be. I interpret her
behaviour thus: She went to see him, honestly intending to
get the child away. In the note she left me she says so,
and I don't believe she'd lie."
"I do."
"When she got there, there was some pretty domestic
scene between him and the baby, and she has got swept off in
a gush of sentimentalism. Before very long, if I know
anything about psychology, there will be a reaction. She'll
be swept back."
"I don't understand your long words. Say plainly--"
"When she's swept back, she'll be invaluable. For she
has made quite an impression on him. He thinks her so nice
with the baby. You know, she washed it for him."
"Disgusting!"
Harriet's ejaculations were more aggravating than the
rest of her. But Philip was averse to losing his temper.
The access of joy that had come to him yesterday in the
theatre promised to be permanent. He was more anxious than
heretofore to be charitable towards the world.
"If you want to carry off the baby, keep your peace with
Miss Abbott. For if she chooses, she can help you better
than I can."
"There can be no peace between me and her," said Harriet
gloomily.
"Did you--"
"Oh, not all I wanted. She went away before I had
finished speaking--just like those cowardly people! --into the
church."
"Into Santa Deodata's?"
"Yes; I'm sure she needs it. Anything more unchristian--"
In time Philip went to the church also, leaving his
sister a little calmer and a little disposed to think over
his advice.
Pages:
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164