"Look here, Kate; there is still time for you to reconsider your
action, and tear up this solitary record of it. If you choose to
do so, say so, and I promise you that this interview, and all you
have told us, shall never pass beyond these walls. No one will be
the wiser for it, and we will give you full credit for having
attempted something that was too much for you to perform."
She had half risen from her chair when he began, but fell back
again in her former position and looked impatiently from him to his
companion, who was also regarding her earnestly.
"What are you talking about?" she said sharply.
"YOU, Kate," said the Mayor. "You have given everything you
possess to this child. What provision have you made for yourself?"
"Do I look played out?" she said, facing them.
She certainly did not look like anything but a strong, handsome,
resolute woman, but the men did not reply.
"That is not all, Kate," continued the Mayor, folding his arms and
looking down upon her. "Have you thought what this means? It is
the complete renunciation not only of any claim but any interest in
your child. That is what you have just signed, and what it will be
our duty now to keep you to. From this moment we stand between you
and her, as we stand between her and the world.
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