He was holding a small Bible out to her.
"In my temper I burned yours. I'm sorry. I was bringing you this when I heard you cry."
Tess took the book in her hand mechanically, and the hope rekindled in her heart died. Frederick bent over her for one short moment, looking into her eyes.
"Forgive me if you can, Tess—and—and be a good girl!"
He opened the door, and was gone before she could stop him. With chattering teeth, she flung herself upon the stool, resting her head in her arms on the table, heeding not the second whining command from the infant.
Suddenly, with flashing eyes, she bounded up. She would tell him. Teola had promised that he should know. Why not be happy, and make him happy? She would call him back, and—
The door opened under her impulsive hand. She faced the storm—and the tall, gaunt, emaciated form of Ezra Longman.