"No doubt you know best. However, this discussion is unnecessary. Will you comply with his lordship's conditions, and part with the child?"
"Never!"
"Remember, the offer will not be renewed."
"And what, pray, would become of me? You deprive me of everything—present joy in my offspring, his affection in coming years. I shall be alone, friendless—a beggar, perhaps."
"As to that, you must trust to his lordship's generosity."
"Little as you deserve it," added Lord Essendine, meaningfully.
She turned on him at once.
"Of what do you accuse me?"
"Of much that I forbear to repeat now. But I will spare you—I will leave you to your own conscience and—"
"What else, pray?"