As we drew near to the cottage, I saw a lady standing by the gate, watching our approach. It was the Widow Canby.
CHAPTER XVII
A SUDDEN RESOLVE
My heart beat rapidly as I walked up to the gate. How would the good lady who had done so much for Kate and myself receive me?
An unkind word or an unfavorable insinuation from her would have hurt me worse than a thousand from any one else. She had been so generous that to have her turn would have made me feel as if I had lost my last friend on earth.
But as she had taken me in before when others had cast me out, so she now proved the friend in need.
"So they've thought better of it and set you free, Roger?" she said as I hurried up.
"Yes, Mrs. Canby," I returned. "I hope—I hope&—" I began, and then came to a full stop.
"What?" and she caught my hand.
"I hope you don't think I had anything to do with the robbery," I stammered.