"Anyway, that's a long time to dream something. So I thought and rationalized a bit, and I came to the conclusion that I could give you a child under ...the right circumstances. I was, and am, way too busy with work to devote the time to raising a family. There aren't enough hours in the day as it is. My plan was to get to know you both, and at the right time - your choice - get you pregnant. And I'd have none of the day-to-day problems of raising a child, but I could reap the benefit of having. Since the time Melba married Frank I had limited contact with her because Frank was usually around. I understood her situation and waited on her to contact me to arrange our next "get together". Having not heard from Melba for several weeks I took a chance and dialed her home phone number. After a few rings a feminine voice I'd never heard before answered. I asked if I might speak to Melba. The voice said, "This is Melba's daughter Mindy. Who are you?" I gave her my name and told her that Melba. Two points: 1. Was that a serious idea, and 2. Is it still on the table?”Prudence said, “I’ll get Frances to reply. She is top wife in this family.”Frances reddened slightly, partly at the title she had been given, and partly at the subject she had to cover. She coughed, then continued, “We have talked things over with Reg, but he wants to get to know you much better before considering that idea.Let me tell you a little about Reg – Reg, close your ears, please, dear.”Reg put his hands over his. They even had to walk down and submit themselves, for if they didn’t then it would go even worse for them. Robert had a friend that had stood up to the bosses in the fields last week. When ordered to the barn he had refused, they came for him. He had screamed for three days in a room in the back of the barn then they let him out. His legs and feet had been burned and broken. Walking was a nightmare and yet they ordered him to work in the fields. He was always in line for a beating at lunch.