In one sense, nobody could have two mothers; and Christian, almost with contrition, thought of the poor dead woman whose children were now taught to call another woman by that sacred name.

But the pang passed.

Had she known the first Mrs.Grey, it might not have been so sharp; in any case, here was she herself--Dr.Grey's wife and the natural guardian of his children.
Nothing could alter that fact.

Her lot was cast; her duty was clear before her; she must accept it and bear it, whatever it might be perhaps, for some reasons, it was the better for her that it was rather hard.
She looked at her husband, saw how agitated he was, and there seemed to come into her mind a sort of inspiration.
"My child," she said, trying to draw Letitia toward her, "you say truly.
I am not your own mamma; no one ever could be that to you again; but I mean to be as like her as I can.

I mean to love you and take care of you; and you will love me too by-and-by.