infant on my mother's breast."

"Aye, if you had never seen the light. You were born to be the bane of
my house. But since you have confided to me this precious secret, let me
ask you what you think will be the probable expense of your
confinement?"

"I really cannot tell. I must have a doctor--a nurse--and some few
necessaries for the poor babe. I think, with great economy, ten pounds
would be enough."

"Ten pounds!"

"It may cost more, certainly not less."

"You will never get that sum from me."

"But, Marcus, what am I to do?"

"The best way you can."

"You would not have your wife solicit charity?"

"An excellent thought. Ha! ha! you would make a first-rate beggar, with
that pale sad face of yours. But, no, madam, you shall not beg. Poor as
I am, I will find means to support both you and the child. But, mark
me--it must not resemble Algernon."

"How is that possible? I have not seen Algernon for eighteen years."