"Our contract, regularly entered into, has expired by limitation.

He was to have the care of her only until she reached her twelfth year.

Of this fact he is clearly advised, and I wonder at his pertinacity in endeavouring to retain the child, when he knows that I, her guardian, wish to have her in my own possession." "He has had her ever since she was a little child; and both he and his wife are now strongly attached to her.

In fact, she regards them as her parents; and their affection for her is not exceeded by their affection for their own children.

To separate them would be exceedingly painful to all parties.