It was a curious thing, this refusal. It arose purely from principle on
her part; she had come to the limit which the average mind sets to the
evil it will commit. She deceived and cajoled the boy without scruple,
but she did not allow him to break the law. She remembered that he had
parents who valued his good name more than he had as yet learned to
value it. He was young; he was in her power; and she declined his
further help.

Christa had wandered down the grass to the river-side and stood there
pouting meanwhile.




CHAPTER VIII.


This incident with David Brown and the getting possession of his chart
was the one stimulant that helped Ann to endure this long day of
inactivity. It was like a small thimbleful of wine to one who longed for
a generous draught; there was nothing else to do but to wait, alert for
all chances that might help her. Evening closed in; the sisters were
left alone. Christa returned indolently to lounging upon the bed and
reading her novel. If Ann had had less strength, she would have paced
the floor of the outer room in impatience; as it was she sat still by
the table which held the beer and stitched her seam diligently. About
eight o'clock she heard Toyner's step.

Was he going to haunt the house again in order to keep her from going