"
"That's all rot, Esther. She ain't sorry, and wouldn't live with me no
more than I with her. We could not get on; what's the use? You'd better
let bygones be bygones. You know what I mean--marry me."
"I don't think I could do that."
"You like some other chap. You like some chap, and don't want me
interfering in your life. That's why you wants me to go back and live with
my wife. You don't think of what I've gone through with her already."
"You've not been through half of what I have. I'll be bound that you never
wanted a dinner. I have."
"Esther, think of the child."
"You're a nice one to tell me to think of the child, I who worked and
slaved for him all these years."
"Then I'm to take no for an answer?"
"I don't want to have nothing to do with you."
"And you won't let me see the child?"
A moment later Esther answered, "You can see the child, if you like."
"Where is he?"
"You can come with me to see him next Sunday, if you like. Now let me go
in."
"What time shall I come for you?"
"About three--a little after."
XXVI
William was waiting for her in the area; and while pinning on her hat she
thought of what she should say, and how she should act. Should she tell
him that she wanted to marry Fred? Then the long black pin that was to
hold her hat to her hair went through the straw with a little sharp sound,
and she decided that when the time came she would know what to say.
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