"Surely, father."
"And can I say because she did one startling thing that the total of her sin is greater than mine? Was I ever tempted as she was tempted? Was my youth made dangerous for me as was hers? And then she did nothing for herself; she did it all for another. We may think of that now."
"I have thought of it always."
"It did not make the sin the less; but among her fellow-mortals—" And then he stopped himself, wanting words to express his meaning. The sin, till it was repented, was damning; but now that it was repented, he could almost love the sinner for the sin.
"Edith," he said, again. And he looked at her so wishfully! She knew well what was the working of his heart, and she knew also that she did not dare to encourage him.
"I trust," said Mrs. Orme, "that she will bear her present lot for a few years; and then, perhaps—"
"Ah! then I shall be in my grave. A few months will do that."
"Oh, sir!"
"Why should I not save her from such a life as that?"
"From that which she had most to fear she has been saved."