CHAPTER X
A DEPRESSING INTERVIEW
Judith found Mr. Ferguson alone in his office. With an air of much pride she produced the Articles of Adoption and asked him to read the document.
“Don’t pick flaws in its legality, please,” she said with twinkling eyes.
The lawyer read the agreement through very soberly. Then he reached out both his hands and took those of Judith in their firm clasp.
“My dear, you are a noble woman,” he said. “I am almost as grateful to you as if the Darings were my own children. They need a mother, Judith, and the poor things couldn’t have fallen into greater luck than being adopted by you.”
She was a little embarrassed by this praise.
“Tell me what you know about Uncle Jonathan,” she asked, to change the subject.
He gave her an amused glance from beneath his bushy eyebrows.
“Of course the old man would interest you,” he replied. “Curious situation, isn’t it, Judith? Have you seen him?”