ome piling thick, fast,
and mountain high. The desolation they bring in their wake overshadows
anything I have suffered completely. If he had lived six months more I
should have known him for what he was born to be. It was in the blood
of him. His father and grandfather before him were fiddling, dancing
people; but I was certain of him. I thought we could leave Ohio and come
out here alone, and I could so love him and interest him in his work,
that he would be a man. Of all the fool, fruitless jobs, making anything
of a creature that begins by deceiving her, is the foolest a sane woman
ever undertook. I am more than sorry you and Margaret didn't see your
way clear to tell me long ago. I'd have found it out in a few more
months if he had lived, and I wouldn't have borne it a day. The man who
breaks his vows to me once, doesn't get the second chance. I give truth
and honour. I have a right to ask it in return. I am glad I understand
at last. Now, if Elnora will forgive me, we will take a new start and
see what we can make out of what is left of life. If she won't, then it
will be my time to learn what suffering really means."

"But she will," said Wesley. "She must! She can't help it when things
are explained."

"I notice she isn't hurrying any about coming home. Do you know where
she is or what she is doing?"

"I do not. But likely she will be along soon. I must go help Billy with
the night work. Good-bye, Katharine. Thank the Lord you have come to
yourself at last!"

They shook hands and Wesley went down the road while Mrs. Comstock
entered the cabin. She could not swallow food. She stood in the back
door watching the sky for moths, but they did not seem to be very
numerous. Her spirits sank and she breathed unevenly. Then she heard the
front screen. She reached the middle door as Elnora touched the foot of
the stairs.

"Hurry, and get ready, Elnora," she said. "Your supper is almost spoiled
now."

Elnora closed the stair door behind her, and for the first time in her
life, threw the heavy lever which barred out anyone from down stairs.
Mrs. Comstock heard the thud, and knew what it meant. She reeled
slightly and caught the doorpost for support. For a few minutes she
clung there, then sank to the nearest chair. After a long time she arose
and stumbling half blindly, she put the food in the cupboard and covered
the table. She took the lamp in one hand, the butter in the other, and
started to the spring house. Som