What was I?
Only her companion.

I had no right to interfere--and yet, if anything happened, I should be blamed.

It is so easy to say, "You ought to have done something." Whom could I consult?
The worthy old nurse only held the position of servant.
Could I address myself to the lymphatic lady with the baby in one hand, and the novel in the other?
Absurd! her stepmother was not to be thought of.

Her father?
Judging by hearsay, I had not derived a favorable impression of the capacity of Reverend Finch for interfering successfully in a matter of this sort.

However, he was her father; and I could feel my way cautiously with him at first.