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."