rather than the Katy I had loved so well. I
would have given my life to have saved that child for her, even though
it was a bar between us, a something which separated her from me more
than the words she spoke at the altar. Though dead, that baby is still
a bar, and Katy is not the same to me she was before that little life
came into being. It is not wrong to love her as I do now. I feel no pang
of conscience save when something unexpected carries me back to the old
ground where I have fought so many battles."

Morris paused a moment, thinking of the time when Katy came to him with
her story of Genevra, and wondering if it were best to repeat the
incidents of that night. It was not, he finally concluded. It would be
better for Katy to tell it herself, and so he added at last: "What I
have borne has told upon me terribly. My people say I work too hard, but
they look only on the surface--they have never seen that inner chamber
of my heart, where only you have been fully admitted. Even Helen knows
not half what's there, but I felt that it was due to you, and so have
told you all, asking that no shadow of censure shall fall on Katy, who
would be greatly shocked to know what you know now."

Morris' manner was that of a man who spoke with perfect sincerity, and
it carried conviction to Wilford's heart, disarming him for a time of
the fierce anger and resentment he had felt while listening to Morris'
story. Acting upon the good impulse of the moment, he arose, and
offering his hand to Morris, he said:

"You have done nobly, Dr. Grant, I believe in your religion now. Forgive
me that I ever doubted it. I exonerate you from blame."

And thus they pledged their faith, Wilford meaning then all he said, and
feeling only respect for the man who had confessed his love for Katy.
After what had passed, Morris felt that it would be pleasanter for
Wilford if he were gone, and after a time he suggested returning to
Silverton at once, inasmuch as the crisis was past and Katy out of
danger. There was a struggle in Wilford's mind as to the answer he
should make to this suggestion. It would not be pleasant to see Morris
there now, for though he had said he forgave him, there was a feeling of
disquiet at his heart, and he at last signified his willingness for him
to leave when he thought best.

It was broad day when Katy awoke, so weak as to be unable to turn her
head upon the pillow, but in her eyes the light of reason was shining,
and sh