flushing red.

"She knows now: she did not at first, but took the little helpless
creature in, out of her own pitiful, loving heart, guessing only that it
was the child of shame; and she's worked for it, and kept it, and tended
it ever sin' it were a mere baby, and loves it fondly. Will! won't you
love it?" asked she, beseechingly.

He was silent for an instant; then he said, "Mother, I'll try. Give me
time, for all these things startle me. To think of Susan having to do
with such a child!"

"Ay, Will! and to think, as may be, yet of Susan having to do with the
child's mother! For she is tender and pitiful, and speaks hopefully of
my lost one, and will try and find her for me, when she comes, as she
does sometimes, to thrust money under the door, for her baby. Think of
that, Will. Here's Susan, good and pure as the angels in heaven, yet,
like them, full of hope and mercy, and one who, like them, will rejoice
over her as repents. Will, my lad, I'm not afeard of you now; and I must
speak, and you must listen. I am your mother, and I dare to command you,
because I know I am in the right, and that God is on my side. If He
should lead the poor wandering lassie to Susan's door, and she comes
back, crying and sorryful, led by that good angel to us once more, thou
shalt never say a casting-up word to her about her sin, but be tender and
helpful towards one 'who was lost and is found;' so may God's blessing
rest on thee, and so mayst thou lead Susan home as thy wife."

She stood no longer as the meek, imploring, gentle mother, but firm and
dignified, as if the interpreter of God's will. Her manner was so
unusual and solemn, that it overcame all Will's pride and stubbornness.