'
'I have often wondered why more of them did not adopt children. Why
don't they?'
'For various reasons which a real love to child nature would blow to
the winds--all comprised in this, that such a child would not be
their own child. As if ever a child could be their own! That a
child is God's is of rather more consequence than whether it is born
of this or that couple. Their hearts would surely be glad when they
went into heaven to have the angels of the little ones that always
behold the face of their Father coming round them, though they were
not exactly their father and mother.'
'I don't know what the passage you refer to means.'
'Neither do I. But it must mean something, if He said it. Are you a
clergyman?'
'No. I am only a poor teacher of mathematics and poetry, shown up
the back stairs into the nurseries of great houses.'
'A grand chance, if I may use the word.'
'I do try to wake a little enthusiasm in the sons and
daughters--without much success, I fear.'
'Will you come and see me?' he said.
'With much pleasure. But, as I have given you an answer, you owe me
one.'
'I do.'
'Have you adopted a child?'
'No.'
'Then you have some of your own?'
'No.'
'Then, excuse me, but why the warmth of your remarks on those who--'
'I think I shall be able to satisfy you on that point, if we draw to
each other. Meantime I must leave you. Could you come to-morrow
evening?'
'With pleasure.
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