?"

"She is bitter against me. It is only natural, especially as I told her
that I wanted to have the child under my own care."

"Ah, that will be a blow to her. She was wrapped up in the little girl."

Professor Theobald pointed out the difficulties that must begin to crop
up, as she grew older. The child could not have the same advantages, in
her present circumstances, as the Professor would be able to give her.
Lady Engleton admitted that this was true.

"Then may I count on you to plead my cause with Mrs. Temperley?"

"If Hadria believes that it is for the child's good, she will not stand
in the way."

"Unless----. You remember that idea of vengeance that she used to have?"

"Oh, she would not let vengeance interfere with the child's welfare!"

"I hope not. You see I don't want to adopt strong measures. The law is
always odious."

"The law!" Lady Engleton looked startled. "Are you sure that the law
would give you the custody of the child?"

"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."

"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