Only a few blocks from where she lived was the office of Dr.Radcliffe.Hither she directed her steps.
"Why, Edith, child!" exclaimed the doctor, not concealing the surprise he felt at seeing her.

"Nobody sick, I hope ?" "No one," she answered.
There was a momentary pause; then Edith said, abruptly, "Doctor, what became of my baby ?" "It died," answered Doctor Radcliffe, but not without betraying some confusion.

The question had fallen upon him too suddenly.
"Did you see it after it was dead ?" She spoke in a firm voice, looking him steadily in the face.
"No," he replied, after a slight hesitation.
"Then how do you know that it died ?" Edith asked.
"I had your mother's word for it," said the doctor.
"What was done with my baby after it was born ?" "It was given out to nurse." "With your consent ?" "I did not advise it.

Your mother had her own views in the case.

It was something over which I had no control." "And you never saw it after it was taken away ?" "Never." "And do not really know whether it be dead or living ?" "Oh, it's dead, of course, my child.