I am quite fully aware that you will not
undertake to detain me, for it is not an easy matter to earn a thousand
dollars a year in this part of the world. I am going abroad next week
and do not expect to return for a long, long time. Try as I would, I
could not go without seeing the child. I will not keep you out of bed
ten minutes, and you and your wife may be present while I hold Rosalie
in my arms. I know that she is in good hands, and I have no intention of
taking her away. Please call Mrs. Crow."
Anderson was too amazed to act at once. He began to flounder
interrogatively, but the visitor abruptly checked him.
"You are wasting time, Mr. Crow, in attempting to question my authority
or identity. No one need know that I have made this visit. You are
perfectly secure in the promise to have a thousand dollars a year; why
should you hesitate? As long as she lives with you the money is yours. I
am advancing the amount you now hold in order that her immediate wants
may be provided for. You are not required to keep an account of the
money paid to you. There are means of ascertaining at once whether she
is being well cared for and educated by you, and if it becomes apparent
that you are not doing your duty, she shall be removed from your
custody. From time to time you may expect written instructions
from--from one who loves her.
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