have been worse to live—­I couldn’t have ruined his life.  And even if things had been different, I hadn’t come to love him, in that way—­it’s queer, because he’s such a wonderful person.  I’d like to live for the child, if only I had the strength, the will left in me—­but that’s gone.  And maybe I could save her from—­what I’ve been through.”

Augusta Maturin took Janet’s hand in hers.

“Janet,” she said, “I’ve been a lonely woman, as you know, with nothing to look forward to.  I’ve always wanted a child since my little Edith went.  I wanted you, my dear, I want your child, your daughter—­as I want nothing else in the world.  I will take her, I will try to bring her up in the light, and Brooks Insall will help me....”