"You're taking her," Ben said sadly. It was not a question.
"Well, I..." Mrs Sullivan paused and looked at her husband.
"She is our granddaughter, Mr Cartwright."
"And your son? Her father? I know you have the right to her but I will fight tooth and nail before I let him get his hands on her again."
"So will I," said Roy, rising.
"Is that what you think, Mr Cartwright?" She was offended. "You think we would let Will touch her again?"
"No, ma'am. And I apologize. It's just you did not see her. She was starving, in rags, covered in cuts and weals."
"How could he do it, Edmund?" She was still crying and she leaned into his chest. "How could he be such a monster?"
"Ma'am, I apologize, you must forgive me. But it's the truth. Sheriff Coffee saw her, too. That's why I can never risk her going back to him."
Edmund Sullivan drew himself up. "We're going to adopt her, Mr Cartwright. We've already spoken to Mr Burgh about beginning the process."
Ben relaxed and finally smiled. "I know you will love her and care for her. And I apologize again."
"You have nothing to apologize for, sir." She broke away from Edmund, took Ben's hand and finally kissed his cheek. "You have shown nothing but love and tenderness for our little darling. You could not have cared for her better if she'd been your own child."
"Well, for a while back there, I thought she was my own child!" he laughed. "But I know she isn't. I knew she could not stay with us forever. My sons, my daughter, my cook, we all love her so much. It's just that..." he paused, "...it's just when the end does come, the pain is unbearable."
"It's not the end, Mr Cartwright," said Mr Sullivan, shaking his hand. "It's the beginning. You must come and see us, and we will come and see you. You will watch her grow, sir. That is...a solemn vow."
"After all, San Francisco isn't so very far," Mildred smiled.
"I thank you both."
"If you hadn't taken her when you did she might have died. You see, Sheriff Coffee told us of the abuse. Whatever my feelings towards my son, I can never forgive him for that. And whatever happens, we will forever be in your debt."
"Thank you, sir."
"Do you think she's been christened?"
"I don't know, Mildred. I doubt it."
"If she hasn't, there's one more favor I ask of you, Mr Cartwright. You'd do us the greatest honor if you'd stand godfather."
He bowed. "The honor would be mine, ma'am. I cannot think of anything I'd like more. She will be staying a little longer, then? Until you get everything sorted out?"
"Yes, Mr Cartwright."
"That was the favor I was going to ask of you. I need time to tell Cassie of all this. My children, too. There will be many tears, I fear."