It was quite plain, from a single remark
of hers, that her sympathies were with her father, although she had
remained at her mother's side.
"You knew my father quite well, didn't you, Mr. Jenison? He has often
told me of the close friendship that existed between you in those
days, how he tried to help you and how appreciative you were."
David concealed his astonishment.
"They were wretched days for me," he said evasively.
"I am sure you wouldn't believe all the horrid things they said about
him, knowing him, as you did, for a kindly, honorable gentleman. My
mother was desperate, Mr. Jenison. She believed everything the lawyers
put into her head. Of course, I understand now why it was so necessary
to blacken his character. It was for the money--the alimony, they call
it. And, more than that, it was to compel the court to give me into
her custody. I had no choice in the matter, it seems, in spite of the
law which says a child may elect for herself after she is fourteen.
They made it so dreadful for him, that he could not take me, although
I would have gone with him, oh, so gladly. I--" She stopped short.
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