Part 77 (1/2)
”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 s.e.x. 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.”
”I fear it is, since the poor mother was dead at the time.”
”I can prove everything I have said to the satisfaction of anybody,”
continued Theobald, ”I think my claim to take charge of my child is well established, and you will admit the wish is not unreasonable.”
”It does you great credit, but, oh dear, it will be hard for Mrs.
Temperley.”
”I fear it will. I am most grieved, but what am I to do? I must consider the best interests of the child.”
”Doubtless, but you are a trifle late, Professor, in thinking of that.”
”Would you prefer it to be never than late?”
”Heaven forbid!”
”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.”
Lady Engleton readily promised. She called at the Red House immediately after Professor Theobald's departure. The interview was long.
”Then I have not spoken in vain, dear Hadria?” said Lady Engleton, in her most sympathetic tone. Hadria was very pale.
”On the contrary, you have spoken to convince.”
”I knew that you would do nothing to stand in the way of the child.”
Hadria was silent.
”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.”
”It was my last chance,” Hadria muttered, half audibly.
”Then I suppose you will not attempt to resist?”
”No,” said Hadria.
”He thinks of leaving Martha with you for another month.”
”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_ guardians.h.i.+p 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?”
Lady Engleton looked surprised. ”Certainly; I suppose he and his sister will look after the child.”
”I shall send Martha up with Hannah.”
”It will astonish him.”