"It is no crime; you only call it so," answered the woman decidedly, as though she had spent days and nights of despair in considering her action.
The priest was irritated, and sought in his mind for some cutting words when he heard again the sound of sharp crunching on the sand outside.
"You set a bad example to the congregation," he said.
"A worse one, if I remain," said the woman.
"You will be disinherited."
"I know."
"You will lose your reputation."
"I know that too, but I will bear it for I am innocent."
"But your child?"
"I will take it with me."