"You are a miser, my dear. You are worth at least ten thousand a year. I do not forget what you told me when you honoured me with your love and confidence. At least ten thousand, and I am to accept twelve hundred. My darling husband, it is not enough. Wherever I live I shall require an establishment. I have your daughter to bring up--the darlingest little thing you ever saw! You shall not see her now if I can prevent it--casting shame upon her, as you have done, before she has learnt to say Mama! I will do my duty by her--a mother's duty, and a father's duty as well, and I will bring her up to hate you. If you live long enough you shall be made to feel it. And now, when she cannot speak for herself, I am to stand like a tame cat, and see her robbed! She is to be made a beggar. Such a beautiful girl as she will have to go in rags, because the father who disowns her is a mean, stingy monster. I hope I do not offend you, my dear, but the truth is the truth, and had best be spoken. Yes, she will be beautiful--but beauty and beggary---- Well, we know what becomes of that partnership. She shall not be compelled to sell herself, as I did, to an old money-bag, with no heart, and you shall not cheat her and me of what is due to us. No, my dear, I stand up for my child, as every mother should." "Tell me," I said, "in as few words as possible, what it is you want." "I shall use," she replied, "as many words as I please. You would like to rob me of my tongue as well as of my rights. What is it I want? An establishment--money to provide a suitable home for your discarded child." "How much money." "Three thousand pounds--not less." "You shall have it; in addition to the annuity I have offered you."