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Show Page 166 a boy. It was a sickly infant and cried much of the time, causing Rose to raise her hand in fury against the babe. One night as a group of street people huddled round a fire seeking warmth, the babe began to cry and nothing Rose did could make it hush. "She became fearful angry and went off toward the river," Twig said. "I was afeard for the wee-un so I followed her. I tried to hold Rose back when I saw what she plotted, but she was too strong. There was naught I could do. She threw the babe into the river." Silence prevailed. My mind reeled with the horror of Twig's words. "I do not think the babe even had a name," Twig finished quietly. "And when she saw you were in Virginia, she threatened harm to Anne's child if you told," I added, rage at Rose rising within me. "Did she make a threat against you in London as well, to make you hold your tongue?" Richard asked. Twig shook his head. "Then why did you not go to the authorities there?" he asked. "No use. They would not believe a beggar brat," Twig said, looking sidelong at Richard. Richard had the good sense to look discomfited. |