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. Are you ready to
see her grow up away from you, losing even the little recollection
she has had of your kindness--passing you in the street without
knowing you, perhaps even having you pointed out to her as a person
she should avoid? Are you prepared to shut your eyes and ears
henceforth to all that you may hear of her new life, when she is
happy, rich, respectable, a courted heiress--perhaps the wife of
some great man? Are you ready to accept that she will never know--
that no one will ever know--that you had any share in making her
so, and that if you should ever breathe it abroad we shall hold it
our duty to deny it, and brand the man who takes it up for you as a
liar and the slanderer of an honest girl?"

"That's what I came here for," she said curtly, then, regarding
them curiously, and running her ringed hand up and down the railed
back of her chair, she added, with a half laugh, "What are you
playin' me for, boys?"

"But," said Colonel Pendleton, without heeding her, "are you ready
to know that in sickness or affliction you will be powerless to
help her; that a stranger will take your place at her bedside, that