"You mean if you had succeeded in abandoning your child?"
"Yes. I was earning my living before, and I could go on. I guess I could have got back my old place."
"But— Do you mind telling me why you wished to abandon your baby?"
"That's why. I've just told you. To make a fresh start."
"I see. And it was chance, I suppose, that you left it on my door-steps rather than elsewhere?"
"You're Mrs. Randolph Wilson, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"I had read about you in the newspapers, and all about the wedding, and that you were tremendously rich. When my child was born I hoped she'd die; but, as she didn't, I made up my mind that the best thing I could do was to let you look after her. But the luck was against me a second time. I was caught again." She laughed as though her only concern was to let fate perceive that she had some sense of humor.
Mrs. Wilson frowned involuntarily. Yet, though her taste was offended her curiosity was whetted.
"But wasn't your—wasn't he man enough to look after you and provide for the child?"