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On the other hand, there are particular advantages in the case of people like Kay and yourself, for who I would be happy to meet with you and your wife to discuss the pros and cons of private adoption if you would like

But I aht to h a lawyer in the northern part of the state, to who recently about different matters, that a child will be born shortly--I believe this fall--whose faht his advice about private adoption placeenetics in such a circumstance; you, as a physician, are much more qualified to deal with that question than I But the lawyer that I mentioned seemed to find that a matter of concern, and mentioned that this particular infant will be born to parents of substantial intelligence and good health

If you and Kay would like to talk about this further, please feel free to callthat does not interest you, I will understand, and hope, as I said, that you will forgive the intrusion

In the ratulate you on the presentation that you al Committee of the Bar Association A fine job; Branford is indeed fortunate to have you in our midst

Very Sincerely,

Harold MacPherson

Natalie sat on the edge of her bed, read the letter again, and saw that her hands were shaking

A child will be born shortly That was me He wrote about it as if he could have as easily been saying, "A new car will be delivered when the next shipood health" She laughed briefly, and with no humor, to herself Well, that lets out Fish-Factory Brenda, or her equivalent I'lad of that, anyway

Why alad about the rest of it?

She lay back on her bed, crossed her hands behind her head, and watched the ceiling of her bedroo were crossing it occasionally in patterns that forain

It's because it was all so cold "A child" My God If I had been conceived byin terms of "our baby" Not "a child" But here, the very first time I appear on the scene, it's in a letter written by a lawyer-- transaction!

So ofthe idea of ive ht his advice about private adoption placement"

In her mind, she for in a lawyer's office The wonant I was born in Septenant when she went to this lawyer and saidwhat? "I a your advice about private adoption placement"? Or: "Listen, I don't want to keep this kid"?

Was there a man with her? The letter says "family" Maybe there were children already Maybe I had brothers and sisters Maybe they went to the lawyer and said, "Hey, we didn't intend to have another baby, and now here we are, the wife is pregnant, and we just can't afford another child"

Abortion was not legal seventeen years ago Had they considered it, anyway?

Another picture formed, briefly, and she liked this one a little better The wo, and beautiful Her husband held her hand in the lawyer's office, and explained sadly, "My wife has an incurable disease She has only a year to live I can't raise a child alone So ant you to find a home for our child"

But that was romantic and foolish, she knew; the letter had said "substantial intelligence and good health" Natalie closed her eyes and let the flickering scenes of her i across the ceiling Nothing replaced them except emptiness; eer that she couldn't understand Finally she sat up, turned on the light against the increasing darkness, and took the next paper from the box

PEABODY AND GOODWIN, ATTORNEYS AT LAW

SIMMONS' MILLS, MAINE

102 Caldwell Avenue July 25, 1960

Branford, Maine

Dear Dr and Mrs Ar:

Hal MacPherson has written me of your interest in the child which I have been authorized to place for adoption He speaks very highly of you as potential parents for this child, and I ahted to be able to let you know that I see no possible barriers at this point to the adoption taking place