`` I thank you for your kind intentions , Mrs. Davis , '' said Mr. Meredith with a gentle , final , quite awful courtesy , `` but I can not give you my child . '' Mrs. Davis looked blank . 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 XXXXX doing your duty as a father .
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