for the child, and undertake to maintain her myself. Will you, George?"
"Very well," said the man, in a tone that denoted he was half asleep.
"I say, George, listen to me, will you ask him to do this?" persisted she.
"D—n it, woman, hold your tongue, will you? or I'll make you!" exclaimed the man, in a louder key.
"Only promise to do what I ask, and I'll not speak another word," returned she. "I know very well, George, you're tired of me now; but you did like me once; and then you promised that I should always share whatever you had. I don't complain that you have changed, and I have no right to reproach you. But do me this one favour; it's all I'll ever ask of you!"
"Very well," replied the man, in rather a softer tone. "Perhaps, I'll try what I can do; but he's devilish hard to deal with. He was a different sort of chap when he wanted me. And as to my wishing to get rid of you, Julia, you know as long as the game lasted I've kept you like a lady, and you've wanted for nothing; but now it's up, I tell you, and you must shift for yourself."
"And so I will," replied she, "if you could
