“I’m sorry I couldn’t keep our appointment this afternoon,” she said stiffly. “The truth is, I’ve changed my mind about signing that paper.”
“I’ve tried to talk sense into her,” Mrs. Breen broke in. “I don’t know what’s come over the girl lately.”
Mr. Coaten seated himself on the day bed, smiling at Rhoda in a friendly way.
“I understand how you feel,” he said. “You are afraid you don’t know me well enough to agree to the adoption.”
“I never heard of you until you came to Riverview.”
“Rhoda, that’s no way to talk!” Mrs. Breen reprimanded. “What would we have done without Mr. Coaten? He’s given us money, bought groceries, and made everything much easier.”
“I appreciate everything. It’s just that—well, I don’t care to be adopted. I like things as they are.”
Mrs. Breen’s kindly face tightened into hard lines.
“Rhoda,” she said firmly, “this is an opportunity for you, and you ought to be smart enough to realize it. Mr. Coaten will give you good clothes and schooling. Pop and I can’t do it.”
“You’ve given me too much now,” Rhoda murmured, her gaze on the linoleum rug.