"The devil has a new recruit," says a brawny miner.
"Hell is too good for a man like Purdy," another declares.
In all of Wilkes-Barre not a man or a woman except those who live under the Coal King's roof has a word of pity to express.
Sister Martha is silent; she feels shocked at the news; yet even in her heart there is no room for sympathy for the Magnate. The thought comes to her that Ethel will need comforting. Ethel Purdy is the woman who eclipsed Sister Martha in Harvey's mind. It is not to be supposed that Martha has forgotten this; yet it does not deter her from hastening to the place. She finds Ethel on the verge of hysteria.
Under the soothing influence of the Sister of Charity, Ethel's composure is restored.
"What is to become of me?" she asks, despairingly. "How am I to face the world? I have wealth; but will it restore my father?"
"Have faith, my dear, and you will find your troubles lightened."
Martha prays with the late Magnate's daughter. They are on their knees in the sumptuous bed-room of Ethel's suite when a servant abruptly enters.
"O, Miss Purdy, run for your life," cries the maid. "The miners are coming to burn the house."
Ethel utters a cry of terror.