"You, Mr. Ainsley?" exclaimed the woman, amazed. "Why, what in the world could you, a young bachelor, do with a baby?"
"I will give you one hundred dollars to give me the child. Is it a bargain, Mrs. Lester? Speak quickly, before I change my mind!"
[CHAPTER XLIV.]
Royal Ainsley leaned forward, and caught Mrs. Lester's arm, saying hastily:
"I repeat, that you shall have one hundred dollars if you will but give the child into my custody."
"Again I ask, what could you, a bachelor, do with it, Mr. Ainsley?" said Mrs. Lester.
He had an answer ready for her.
"I know a family who lost a little one, and would be only too delighted to take the infant and give it a good home."