“I said that I needed you and that you needed me, and consequently I was not going to give up my rights to you. Go; I give you ten minutes to say good-by.”
I was so possessed by the fact that I was a foundling, that I thought that if I had to leave immediately it was because my master had told them about my birth.
Upon entering Mrs. Milligan’s apartment I found Arthur in tears and his mother bending over him.
“You won’t go, Remi! Oh, Remi, tell me you won’t go,” he sobbed.
I could not speak. Mrs. Milligan replied for me, telling Arthur that I had to do as I was told.
“Signor Vitalis would not consent to let us have you,” said Mrs. Milligan in a voice so sad.
“He’s a wicked man!” cried Arthur.
“No, he is not a wicked man,” continued Mrs. Milligan; “he loves you… and he needs you. He speaks like a man far above his position. He told me,—let me see, these were his words:
“ ‘I love that child, and he loves me. The apprenticeship in the life that I give him is good for him, better, far better, than he would have with you. You would give him an education, that is true; you would form his mind, but not his character. It is the hardships of life that alone can do that. He cannot be your son; he will be mine. That is better than to be a plaything for your sick child, however sweet he may be. I also will teach the boy.’ ”
“But he isn’t Remi’s father,” cried Arthur.