"You saw him, my Rhoda, and he said he was true to me, and sorrowful; and you told him, dear one, that I had no heart for him, and wished to go to hell—did you not, gbod Rhoda? Forgive me; I mean 'good;' my true, good Rhoda. Yes, you hate sin; it is dreadful; but you should never speak falsely to sinners, for that does not teach them to repent. Mind you never lie again. Look at me. I am chained, and I have no repentance in me. See me. I am nearer it…the other—sin, I mean. If that man comes…will he?"
"No—no!" Rhoda cried.
"If that man comes—"
"He will not come!"
"He cast me off at the church door, and said he had been cheated. Money!
Oh, Edward!"
Dahlia drooped her head.
"He will keep away. You are safe," said Rhoda.
"Because, if no help comes, I am lost—I am lost for ever!"
"But help will come. I mean peace will come. We will read; we will work in the garden. You have lifted poor father up, my dear."
"Ah! that old man!" Dahlia sighed.