We are poor, Edith, and the claims of our own children--bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh--must not be forgotten." A quick change passed over Edith.

Her countenance became troubled.

The difficulties in the way of retaining the child were suddenly magnified to her thoughts.

Ah! how painfully did she feel that often the first steps in the way of duty are among thorns.
"Can we be just to Fanny and just also to our own children ?" asked Claire.
"If we still received the old sum for her maintenance, we could.

I would not ask its increase to the amount of a single dollar." "Nor I, Edith.