“You might put it so,” agreed Baron, to whom the words were highly offensive. What right had Thornburg to speak contemptuously of the things which his family—and their kind—represented? He proceeded coldly. “I understood that you felt some measure of responsibility. I thought perhaps you might be willing to take her, in case we decided it would be difficult for us to keep her.”
The manager pretended not to note the aloofness of the other’s tone. “Now, if it were a matter of expense—” he began.
“It isn’t. She doesn’t seem at home with us. I think that states the whole case.”
“How could she feel at home in the short time she’s been with you?”
“Then I might put it this way: She doesn’t seem congenial.”
“Of course that’s different. That seems to leave me out, as near as I can see.”
“You mean,” said Baron, “you wouldn’t care to assume the responsibility for her?”
“Why should I?” demanded Thornburg bluntly. He glared at Baron resentfully.
“You’re quite right, certainly. I seem to have had the impression——”
“I have an idea she’s doing better with you than she would anywhere else, anyway,” continued Thornburg in milder tones. “Why not give her her place and make her stay in it? I can’t understand a family of grown people throwing up their hands to a baby!”