That poor drudge of a mother of theirs! Mary is the child of her father's heart and mind." Then aloud: "You had better let me have her, Mr.Gray." "Let you have her, Lady Anne?
What would you do with my Mary ?" He looked scarcely less aghast than he had done a moment before at the suggestion of consumption.
"Not separate her from you, Mr.Gray.This house is my home, and I am not likely to leave it, except for a month or two at a time, at my age.
I think the child will be a companion to me.

I have no romantic suggestions to make.

I am not proposing to adopt Mary.

I shall pay her a salary, and give her opportunities for education that you cannot.

She interests me, as I have said.