. And your mother is now a much older, wearier woman than
she was then, and her hands are far too full every day, as it is. If
she knew how to handle the baby as I have, and was willing to add the
work to her daily round, would you be willing to have her? I have
three times her strength, while I consider that I've the first right.
Then there is the baby's side of the question. I have had her through
the worst, hardest part of babyhood; she is accustomed to a fixed
routine that you surely will concede agrees with her; she would miss
me, and she would not thrive as she does with me, for her food and her
hours would not be regular, while you, and your father, and the boys
would tire her to death handling her. That is the start. The finish
would be that she would grow up, if she survived, to take the place
Polly took at your house, while you would marry some other girl, as you
WILL before a year from now. I'm dreadfully sorry to say these things
to you, Henry, but you know they are the truth. If you're going to try
to take the baby, I'm going to fight you to the last dollar I can
raise, and the last foot of land I own. That's all. Look at the baby;
think it over; and let me know what you'll do as soon as you can. I'm
not asking mercy at your hands, but I do feel that I have suffered
about my share."

"You needn't suffer any longer," said Henry, drying his eyes. "All you
say is true; just as what I said was true; but I might as well tell
you, and let one of us be happy. I saw my third lawyer yesterday, and
he said the papers were unbreakable unless I could prove that the child
was neglected, and not growing right, or not having proper care. Look
at her! I might do some things! I did do a thing as mean as to
persuade a girl to marry me without her mother's knowledge, and ruined
her life thereby, but God knows I couldn't go on the witness stand and
swear that that baby is not properly cared for! Mother's job is big
enough; and while it doesn't seem possible now, very likely I shall
marry again, as other men do; and in that event, Little Poll WOULD be
happier with you. I give her up. I think I came this morning to say
that I was defeated; and to tell you that I'd give up if I saw that you
would fight. Keep the baby, and be as happy as you can. You shan't be
worried any more about her. Polly shall have this thing as she desired
and planned it. Good-bye."

When he had gone Kate knelt on the floor, laid her h