"
"And you a-going out as wet-nurse at a pound a week; you can afford more
than that."
"I'm only getting fifteen shillings a week."
"Well, you can afford to pay six. I tell you the responsibility I of
looking after a hinfant is that awful nowadays that I don't care to
undertake it for less."
Esther hesitated; she did not like this woman.
"I suppose," said the woman, altering her tone to one of mild
interrogation, "you would like your baby to have the best of everything,
and not the drainings of any bottle that's handy?"
"I should like my child to be well looked after, and I must see the child
every three weeks."
"Do you expect me to bring up the child to wherever the lady lives, and
pay my 'bus fare, all out of five shillings a week? It can't be done!"
Esther did not answer. "You ain't married, of course?" Mrs. Spires said
suddenly.
"No, I ain't; what about that?"
"Oh, nothing; there is so many of you, that's all. You can't lay yer 'and
on the father and get a bit out of 'im?"
The conversation paused. Esther felt strangely undecided. She looked round
suspiciously, and noticing the look the woman said--
"Your baby will be well looked after 'ere; a nice warm kitchen, and I've
no other babies for the moment; them children don't give no trouble, they
plays in the area.
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