"He doesn't want you to give up anything ?" She looked as if swiftly thinking what Nanda MIGHT give up.
"Oh yes, everything." It was as if for an instant she found her daughter inscrutable; then she had a strange smile.

"Me ?" The girl was perfectly prompt.

"Everything.

But he wouldn't like me nearly so much if I really did." Her mother had a further pause.

"Does he want to ADOPT you ?" Then more quickly and sadly, though also a little as if lacking nerve to push the research: "We couldn't give you up, Nanda." "Thank you so much, mamma.