, and would expect, in return for giving up her claim to
one or other of them, some very distinct monetary advantages. I do not
at all say that the affair was not an accident. Upon the contrary, I
admit that it was an accident which might very well happen under the
circumstances. What I do say is, nothing could have turned out better
for her."

Just as tiffin was finished, Captain Clinton's soldier-servant came into
the mess-room with the request that Dr. Parker should go across to his
master's bungalow. "Well, doctor," Captain Clinton said as he entered,
"in the first place I want you to go up and see my wife, and give her a
sedative or something, for she is terribly upset over this affair; and
in the next place I want to tell you that we have agreed to take your
advice in the matter, and to bring up the two children as our own until
we can make out which of the two is our child; then I want your advice
as to whether they can be weaned without any damage to their health. My
wife is determined upon that point. They shall not be brought up by Mrs.
Humphreys There is no other woman, is there, in the regiment with a
young baby?"

The doctor shook his head. "There are one or two with babies, but not
with babies young enough for her to take to these. It would certainly be
far better that they should have the natural nourishment, but I do not
say that they would necessarily suffer from being weaned. Still, you
see, Clinton, there is a question whether this woman will consent to
part with both the children."

"I quite see that, doctor, and of course I shall be ready to make any
money arrangements that will content her."

"I would see the husband, if I were you," the doctor said. "He is a
steady, well-conducted young fellow, and however this matter has come
about, I quite acquit him of having any share in it. I think you will
find it more easy to deal with him than his wife. Unfortunately, you
see, there is always a difficulty with adopted children. A father cannot
sell away his rights; he may agree to do so, but if he changes his mind
afterwards he can back out of his agreement. However he may bind himself
never to interfere with it, the fact remains that he has a legal right
to the custody of his child. And though Sergeant Humphreys might keep
any agreement he might make, the mother might give you no end of trouble
afterwards."

"I see all that, doctor, but of the two evils I think the one we propose
is the least. My wi