Stephen took the paper and looked at it for a long time and then said, in a strained voice, "It is a statement Ralph has drawn out showing exactly how the business stands, with a list of all debtors and creditors. If you could get most of the debts in you would still need three hundred pounds to keep affairs going."
"I cannot tell how it is; everything is so dark."
"But if you will let me help you," he pleaded, "all will come right. I can easily lend you what you need."
For an instant, like a vision, there came to her a feeling of restfulness, and she looked up to his face, bending over her, with eager trustfulness. What a safe strong arm his would be to lean on! But instantly she put the temptation from her; it would not be right to accept his help remembering what Mrs. Colston had said, and the sweet light which had arisen went suddenly out, leaving the darkness deeper than before.
"No," she said firmly, "I cannot accept your help."
"But what will you do?"
"I cannot tell, but in some way God will help me. And surely Ralph will come back soon!"
"I do not think so."
"Why?" It was Stephen's turn to be silent this time; how could he tell her all he knew? How could he explain how evident it was that Ralph had drained all the money he possibly could from the business?
"Do you know where Ralph is?" she asked suddenly.