But the woman went on in
her steady, even tone.
"I can't talk as I should, because my brain isn't
clear. It's the drink. When you drink, you forget. But
you must help me. I can't do it alone. I can remember
how to live straight, just as I can remember how to talk
straight. Let me show you that I'm not all bad. Give me
a chance. Take the boy and then give him back to me when
you are satisfied. I'll try--God only knows how I'll
try. Only don't take him away forever, Judge! Don't do
that!"
Judge Wheeling ran an uncomfortable finger around his
collar's edge.
"Any friends living here?"
"No! No!"
"Sure about that?"
"Quite sure."
"Now see here; I'm going to give you your chance. I
shall take this boy away from you for a year. In that
time you will stop drinking and become a decent,
self-supporting woman. You will be given in charge of
one of these probation officers. She will find work for
you, and a good home, and she'll stand by you, and you
must report to her. If she is satisfied with you at the
end of the year, the boy goes back to you."
"She will be satisfied," the woman said, simply. She
stooped and taking Bennie's face between her
hands kissed him once.
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