"Shall we speak of the children now?" she asked at length. "Some
arrangements must be made for them."
"Yes," said Dora, "their father has claims upon them. I am ready
to yield to them. I do not believe he will ever love them or
care for them, because they are mine. At the same time, I give
them up to him and to you, Lady Earle. The sweetest and best
years of their lives have been spent with me; I must therefore
not repine. I have but one stipulation to make, and it is that
my children shall never hear one word against me."
"You know little of me," said Lady Helena, "if you think such a
thing is possible. You would rather part with your children than
accompany them?"
"Far rather," she replied. "I know you will allow them to visit
me, Lady Earle. I have known for many years that such a time
must come, and I am prepared for it."
"But, my dear Dora," said Lady Earle, warmly, "have you
considered what parting with your children implies--the
solitude, the desolation?"
"I know it all," replied Dora. "It will be hard, but not so hard
nor so bitter as living under the same roof with their father.
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