She had never dreamed of his refusing . `` Why , Mr. Meredith , '' she said in astonishment . `` You must be cr -- you ca n't mean it . You must think it over -- think of all the advantages I can give her . '' `` There is no need to think it over , Mrs. Davis . It is entirely out of the question . All the worldly advantages it is in your power to bestow on her could not compensate for the loss of a father 's love and care . I thank you again -- but it is not to be thought of . '' Disappointment angered Mrs. Davis beyond the power of old habit to control . Her broad red face turned purple and her voice trembled . `` I thought you 'd be only too glad to let me have her , '' she sneered . `` Why did you think that ? '' asked Mr. Meredith quietly . `` Because nobody ever supposed you cared anything about any of your children , '' retorted Mrs. Davis contemptuously . `` You neglect them scandalously . It is the talk of the place . They are n't fed and dressed properly , and they 're not trained at all . They have no more manners than a pack of wild Indians . You never think of doing your duty as a father . You let a stray child come here among them for a fortnight and never took any notice of her -- a child that swore like a trooper I 'm told .
YOU would n't have XXXXX if they 'd caught small-pox from her .
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