"
"Are you mocking me, Lord Essendine?"
"I am in sober earnest. I will do what I say, but only on one
condition."
"And that is?"
"That you give up the child, absolutely, and forever."
"What! part with the only thing left me to love and cherish--"
"One moment, madam," interposed the lawyers "before your emotion
overpowers you. We happen to be able to judge of the extent of your
affection for your only son."
"How so?"
"We know you care so little for him that for month, you never see the
child. It was left in England when you went to the Crimea--"
"With my husband. Besides, I could not have made a nursery of Lord
Lydstone's yacht."
"And since you settled in London you have sent it to a nurse in the
country."
"It was better for the child."
"No doubt you know best. However, this discussion is unnecessary. Will
you comply with his lordship's conditions, and part with the child?"
"Never!"
"Remember, the offer will not be renewed."
"And what, pray, would become of me? You deprive me of
everything--present joy in my offspring, his affection in coming
years. I shall be alone, friendless--a beggar, perhaps."
"As to that, you must trust to his lordship's generosity."
"Little as you deserve it," added Lord Essendine, meaningfully.
She turned on him at once.
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