"Then you are the John Cleland. Why not say so?"
He bowed.
"Very well, then! What you've said has in it a certain amount of common sense. I have, in a way, dedicated my life to all unfortunate children; I might not be able to do justice to Harry's child—give her the intimate personal care necessary—without impairing this work which I have undertaken, and to which I am devoting my fortune."
There was another silence, during which Sister Rose snapped her shears viciously and incessantly. Finally, she looked up at Cleland:
"Does the child care for you?"
"I—think so."
"Very well. But I sha'n't permit you to adopt her."
"Why not?"
"I may want her myself when I'm too old and worn out to work here. I wish her to keep her name."
"Madame——"