"So long as she lives she will take care of her. But she is now an old woman, and when she dies, God knows what will become of her."
"I will look after her as long as I live," said the Doctor.
"Thank you, Doctor." There was a pause. "She is a saint." His mind had gone back to his early life. To this Dr. Balsam made no reply. "She has had a sad life. She was crossed in love but instead of souring, it sweetened her."
"I was the man," said the Doctor, quietly. "I will look after your child."
"You were! I never knew his name. She never married."
He gave a few directions, and presently said: "My little girl? I wish to see her. It cannot hurt me?"
"No, it will not hurt you," said the Doctor, quietly.
The child was brought, and the dying man's eyes lit up as they rested on her pink face and brown eyes filled with a vague wonder.
"You must remember papa."
She stood on tiptoe and, leaning over, kissed him.