Though Cora was excommunicated for being the child of a player, she never let go her hold on Christ. Her father, strolling actor as he was, had taught her to look to God for everything, and in her hour of trial, she knelt in the seclusion of her own room and prayed that this cup might pass from her lips, if it be the Lord's will; but if not, she asked God to give her strength to bear her suffering and trials. She freely forgave Mr. Parris, for she believed his persecution of herself and others was through mistaken zeal.
With Charles Stevens, she was more shy than she used to be. She kept aloof from him for two or three days, until her conduct became noticeable, and Charles one day sought her in the garden for an explanation.
"Have I offended you, Cora?" he asked.
She turned her frightened eyes to his for a moment and answered:
"Then why do you avoid me? I have scarcely seen you for three days."
She was overwhelmed with hope and confusion for some moments; then, with a faltering voice, she asked:
"Did you wish to see me?"
"I did, Cora. I would not give offence to you for the world, and I feared I had in some way wounded your feelings."
"Charles, was not Mr. Parris here the other morning?"