And Hannibal and the flower did gradually lead poor Zell to Him who "taketh away the sins of the world," and He said to her as to one of old, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."
On the evening of the 14th of June, Edith had more than enough to pay the interest due on the 15th, and she was most anxious to have it settled. She was standing at the gate waiting for Hannibal to join her as escort, when she saw Arden Lacey coming toward her. He had not looked at her since that dreadful afternoon, and was now about to pass her without notice, though from his manner she saw he was conscious of her presence. He looked so worn and changed that her heart yearned toward him. A sudden thought occurred to her, and she said:
"Mr. Lacey."
He kept right on, and paid no heed to her.
There was a mingling of indignation and pathos in her voice when she spoke again.
"I appeal to you as a woman, and no matter what I am, if you are a true man, you will listen."
There was that in her tone and manner that reminded him of the dark rainy night when they first met.
He turned instantly, but he approached her with a cold, silent bow.
"I must go to the village to-night. I wish your protection," she said, in a voice she tried vainly to render steady.
He again bowed silently, and they walked to the village together without a word. Hannibal came out in time to see them disappear down the road, one on one side of it, and one on the other.