"He's so little," she petitioned again, "and he can't live long."
As Molly had said, she was not interested in the sleeping child. The only time she cared to hear him mentioned was when Jordan told her of Jinnie's anguish over his treatment of the child. She had delighted in his vividly described scene of how he had forced the girl to do his will through her love for the little fellow. Now she, too, would wreak her vengeance on Jinnie through the same source.
"I've come to tell you something about Theodore King," she remarked slowly, watching the girl avidly the while.
Jinnie sat up quickly. If her dear one had sent her a message, then he must know where she was.
"Then tell it," was all she said.
Molly put her hand into a leather hand bag and drew forth a letter.
"It isn't for you," she stated, with glinting eyes. "I've known for a long time you thought he cared for you----"
"He does," interjected Jinnie emphatically.
"I think not. Here's a letter he wrote to me. It will dispel any idea you may have about his affection for you."
"I don't wish to read your letter," said Jinnie proudly.
"Read it!" ordered Morse frowning, and because she feared him, Jinnie took the letter nervously. The woman's words had shattered her last hope. For a moment the well-known handwriting whirled; then the words came clearly before her vision: * * * * * "MY DARLING," she read.
"Won't you come to me when you get this? My heart aches to have you once more in my arms. I shall expect you very soon. With all my love, "THEODORE."
* * * * * It was not strange that she crushed the paper between her fingers.
"You needn't destroy my letter," Molly said mockingly, thrusting forth her hand. "Give it to me."
She took it from Jinnie's shaking hand and, smoothing it out, replaced it in her pocket book.
"I wouldn't have come but for your own good," she said, looking up. "Mr. Morse told me you had an idea that Mr. King loved you, and I want you to write him a letter----"
"Write who a letter?" asked Jinnie dully.
"Theodore."
"Why?"
"Because I tell you to," snapped Molly.
Then taking another letter from her bag, she held it out.
"You're to copy this and give it to Mr. Morse to-morrow."
Jinnie took the letter and read it slowly. She struggled to her feet.
"I'll not write it," she said hoarsely.
"I think you will," said Morse, rising.
Jinnie stared at him until he reached the closed door behind which Bobbie slept.
"Don't! Don't!" she shuddered. "I'll write, I'll do anything if you won't hurt Bobbie." Raising her eyes to Morse, she said in subdued tones, "I'll try to give it to you to-morrow."