Your parents were _not_ willing to part with you;
believe me, it was a bitter wrench to both to leave you behind. But
settling up country in the colony was not an easy matter for my brother
with his delicate wife and four children. Marjory was older than you, so
of course more able to help with the boys, and knowing that his expenses
would be very heavy and his means small, I offered to adopt you; for
your sake, more than other considerations, I think, my offer was
accepted. Since Marjory's death your mother has practically been alone,
for servants are scarce and very expensive. Now, poor soul, her
strength is at an end; she has developed an illness that involves the
greatest care and rest. You see, darling, that this is no case for
hesitation. The call comes to you, and you must answer and do your duty
faithfully."
The girl buried her face in the sofa cushions, her hat lay on the floor.
"I hate children--especially boys," she said sullenly when she spoke.
"Surely in eight years a doctor ought to be able to make enough to pay a
housekeeper, if his wife can't look after his house."
"You don't understand how hard life is sometimes, or I think you would
be readier to take up part of a burden that is dragging down a good and
brave man."
"To live in an uncivilised country, where probably the people won't
speak my own language----"
"Don't betray such absurd ignorance, Eva," replied Mrs.
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