"That's what I thought until all this happened to me. I have suffered dreadful in the last few days. I've wept bitter tears, and I thought of all you said about the 'ome you was going to give me." Her sincerity was unmistakable, and Fred doubted her no longer. "I'm very fond of you, Fred, and if things had been different I think I might have made you a good wife. But it wasn't to be."
"Esther, I don't understand. You need never see this man again if you don't wish it."
"Nay, nay, things ain't so easily changed as all that. He's the father of my child, he's got money, and he'll leave his money to his child if he's made Jackie's father in the eyes of the law."
"That can be done without your going to live with him."
"Not as he wants. I know what he wants; he wants a 'ome, and he won't be put off with less."
"How men can be so wicked as——"
"No, you do him wrong. He ain't no more wicked than another; he's just one of the ordinary sort—not much better or worse. If he'd been a real bad lot it would have been better for us, for then he'd never have come between us. You're beginning to understand, Fred, ain't you? If I don't go with him my boy'll lose everything. He wants a 'ome—a real 'ome with children, and if he can't get me he'll go after another woman."
"And are you jealous?"
"No, Fred. But think if we was to marry. As like as not I should have children, and they'd be more in your sight than my boy."
"Esther, I promise that——"