"It is too much care for you," he said warmly. "Think of that boy, who will soon be beginning to assert himself, and Molly, who is enough to keep a whole family on the alert, to say nothing of the baby. How are you going to manage?"
His reference to Morton reminded her of their difference, which for a time she had forgotten, and she told him about it, adding,—
"What can I do?"
"Stand firm," he said at once. "But wait; I see how hard that will be, with the whole town against you. Let me think."
She waited, watching him, while he gazed into the fire.
Finally he turned again to her.
"You spoke of leaving here, why not do so now, soon? Put it to Morton that you need his protection and help, and go to Boston. You have some means?"
"Yes." If Sara had mentioned the sum of these, the young man would have been aghast; but, accustomed as she was to the most frugal living, it seemed large to her.
"Then what is to hinder?" eagerly. "Uncle Leon will stay there this winter, anyhow; and they can find you a small flat, where you could keep house in a cosey way. Then there are things you can do at home, I am sure; things for the Woman's Exchange, say, that'll help you out."
Sara's eyes brightened. It was her dream to go out into that wider life she had read of, and this seemed her opportunity.