Certainly, she thought, as she looked at her, sitting with her eyes wide open and an expression of grave wonder in her face, "she is a little darling, and as Jim saved her life I have a special interest in her; but this is out of the question." It was two or three minutes before she answered the showman's last words.
"No, it cannot be done, Sergeant Wilks.

No money that could be paid me would make up to me for the charge of a child of her age.

I am all day in school, and what could a child, especially one accustomed to be out all day, do with herself?
The worry and anxiety would be immense.

Were it not for my school, it would be different altogether.

A child of that age, especially such a sweet little thing as your granddaughter seems to be, would be a pet and amusement; but as it is, I am sorry to say that it is out of the question.