"Why? Why because I want him so much, I have nothing in the whole world, Dr. Lavendar, but David. Nothing."
"Other folks might want him."
"But nobody can do as much for him as I can! I have a good deal of money."
"You mean you can feed him, and clothe him, and educate him? Well; I could do that myself. What else can you do?"
"What else?"
"Yes. One person can give him material care about as well as another.
What else can you do?"
"Why—" she began, helplessly; "I don't think I know just what you mean?"
"My friend," said Dr. Lavendar, "are you a good woman?"
The shock of the question left her speechless. She tried to meet his eye; quailed, half rose: "I don't know what you mean! What right have you to ask me such a question—"
Dr. Lavendar waited.