I am not letting the child go for _my_ sake.

I am letting her go for her own.
So far as I am concerned, if I consulted no one's wishes but my own, I should--keep her here always." With that he turned and strode from the room, leaving Aunt Jane and me just staring after him.
But only for a minute did _I_ stare.

It came to me then what he had said--that he would like to keep me here _always_.

For I had heard it, even if he had said the last word very low, and in a queer, indistinct voice.

I was sure I had heard it, and I suddenly realized what it meant.