"But why do this," said Eugénie in a pitying tone, "when you can keep her with you?"
"I cannot let her grow up in the atmosphere of sin I live in."
"Then why not leave this sinful life, and go to England with your child?"
Kitty shook her head with a dreary smile.
"Impossible--to leave off this life would kill me; besides, I saw a doctor some time ago, and he told me I had not very long to live; there is something wrong with my heart. I don't care if I do die so long as my child is safe--you will look after her?"
"Yes," replied Eugénie firmly; "I will look after her."
Kitty approached her timidly.
"May I kiss you?" she said faintly, and seeing her answer in the girl's eyes, she bent down and kissed her forehead.
"Now I must introduce you to your new pupil," she said, cheerfully overcoming her momentary weakness.
"Wait a moment," said Eugénie, as Caprice went to the bell-pull. "I want to ask you about Mr. Stewart."