"Ah, here you are!" said Laura. "Pray, were you let into the secret of
the arrangements made in my absence?"
"What arrangements, mamma?" asked the little girl wonderingly.
"In regard to your guardianship, and the care of the property left by
your father."
"No, mamma, I never knew or thought anything about those things. Must I
have a guardian? Why should I be under the control of anyone but you?"
"Yes, why indeed? I would not have believed it of your father! but he has
actually left you to the sole guardianship of your Uncle Lester. You may
well look astonished," she added, noting the expression of Evelyn's face.
"I feel that I am robbed of my natural right in my child."
"You need not, mamma; I shall obey you just the same of course, for
nothing can release me from the obligation to keep the fifth commandment.
So do not, I beg of you, blame papa."
With what a quiver of pain the young voice pronounced that loved name!
"No; I blame your uncle; for no doubt he used undue influence with Eric
while his mind was enfeebled by illness.
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