CHAPTER XXIX
RENUNCIATION
When she stopped speaking because there was nothing more to be told, they sat for a little in utter silence.
When at last Erskine spoke in a low, carefully controlled voice, he asked the very last question that his mother expected.
"How soon do you think she could come to us?"
"Who?" Ruth's astonishment blurred for the moment her penetration.
"Mother! whom could I mean? The child. She must be sent for; she must come at once; or, at least as soon as a suitable escort can be secured. Would she come? And would she stay, do you think? I mean would she stay willingly? Oh, mamma, surely you will help me!"
"Erskine, dear boy, what do you want to do?"
"My duty." He withdrew his shielding hand and his pallid lips made an effort to smile; then grew grave again, taking almost stern lines.
"She is my wife's daughter; and as such I stand now in the place of father to her. As fully as it is possible for me to do so, now, I want to fill that place. To provide for her, to take care of her in any and every way that she may need care; to have my home hers as fully as it is our little son's." His voice broke there, and for a moment he was still. Then he went on.